Newly-minted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described his predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin as an "angry and upset" man in explaining the latter's claim of knowledge that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, was referring to a leaked video where Muhyiddin told friends at his residence that Najib had admitted to receiving the money after being confronted.

“This is an angry and upset man talking. When one is upset, one will say things.

“I know how it feels because I have gone through that too when I was forced to resign (as Umno Youth chief) and was later held under the Internal Security Act,” Ahmad Zahid was quoted saying in an interview with The Starpublished today.

Ahmad Zahid said the leaked video should not have been circulated as what was said happened in the privacy of Muhyiddin's house.

According to The Star, Ahmad Zahid was coy when pressed if there was any truth to Muhyiddin's claim, and merely repeated his explanation.

“An angry man says a lot of things. Whatever it is, we must be respectful towards him," he was quoted saying.

Muhyiddin (photo) was on Tuesday dropped as deputy prime minister for criticising Najib's handling of 1MDB.

The video clip was recorded on the same night at Muhyiddin's residence as he received several visitors and well-wishers, and was leaked the following day.