Speaking at the Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia roadshow held in his constituency, which was also attended by the prime minister, Tajuddin backed Ismail to continue leading the country after the 15th general election (GE15).

“There are some people (out there) saying that he (Ismail) is weak or whatever. They can say whatever they want. I will remain loyal and supportive of the prime minister,” said Tajuddin.

“People are making all sorts of accusations against him. It’s as if he is not qualified to be the prime minister. Whatever they say, we want him to remain the prime minister after the general election.”

He said the prime minister had worked hard to combat the Covid-19 pandemic since taking over last year, and was also determined to tackle the rising cost of living.

Tajuddin, who is seen as a staunch supporter of Ismail, was dropped from the Umno Supreme Council last month by party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for being critical of the party.

The action came a few days after Tajuddin was nominated to be the new ambassador to Indonesia.

Last month, Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed told FMT that Ismail’s delay in making a decision on Zuraida Kamaruddin’s Cabinet post was indicative of the prime minister’s “weak” position.

Nur Jazlan also claimed Ismail was unable to make decisions or assert his authority because “he is being held to ransom by certain quarters”.

Zuraida was made plantation industries and commodities minister on Aug 27 last year when she was with Bersatu. She left the party to join Parti Bangsa Malaysia on May 26.