Former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin has apologised to the family of the late Kuala Kangsar incumbent for reportedly stating that the by-election was "divine retribution" for BN's hand in overthrowing the Perak government in 2009.

"In the spirit of Ramadan Al-Mubarak, I who am also a father and husband, offer my hand and humble unreserved apology to the wife, children and family members of the deceased (Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad), as well as to the divisions, state and central party leaderships.

"My unreserved apology is a token of my sincere and my deepest sympathy on what God had decreed to befall his family," he said in a statement today.

However, Nizar claimed his statement was taken outside the context of his speech by "inaccurate or misreporting on social and print media, until causing hurt, insult or any feelings of unease to all concerned".

"It was taken out of context of the entirety of my speech. I never meant to insult or cast negative light against anyone, let alone the late Khair-il's family," he said.

The Amanah leader related that in the beginning of the speech in question, he had asked all Muslims present to read the Al-fatihah to send to the late Khairil.

He had also prayed that the deceased's soul will be given the blessings of God and that his family is given the courage to face this trial before them, and accept what was fated.

As a father and husband himself, he said that he can emphatise what Khair-il's loss meant to the family.

Nizar lamented mainstream media reports and social media accounts of his speech which he claimed had painted it in the wrong light and out of context.

After reports of his speech was published Nizar was hit with brickbats from both sides of the political divide and came under public criticism for what many think as "insensitive remarks".

In a press conference today, Khair-il's widow Mastura Mohd Yazid who is contesting as the BN candidate in the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-election, related that she felt hurt by what Nizar reportedly said, but she forgave him.