Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has apologised for not greeting Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, a video clip of which has gone viral on social media.

In a media statement this evening, his aide revealed that the Bersatu deputy president has penned a letter to Sultan Ibrahim regarding his action, which was described as a mistake (kekhilafan).

"The menteri besar informed His Majesty that the mistake was due to his 'carelessness' (kealpaan) and does not reflect the etiquette of the people of Kedah," read the statement.

The incident took place when Mukhriz, alongside his father Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, paid his last respects to Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah at Istana Abu Bakar yesterday

Johor Umno Youth chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah earlier today described Mukhriz's action as "insolent" and demanded that he apologise to the Johor ruler.

Hairi also claimed that Mukhriz had lost his “Malayness".

“We, from Johor Umno Youth, demand that Mukhriz apologise to the sultan. The people of Johor will never accept such bad culture,” Hairi added in a statement this afternoon.

The incident was also posted on Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's Twitter account via a tweet from the Friends of Johor.

Friends of Johor noted how Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Ismail had greeted Mahathir.

Mahathir and the Johor palace have locked horns on various issues, such as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the appointment of the state menteri besar and the reshuffle of the executive council.

Early this month, the prime minister also launched an acerbic salvo against the crown prince, calling him "stupid" and telling him not to comment on matters beyond his knowledge.