The prime minister's reputation may have been bruised on the domestic front but Najib Abdul Razak still has international appeal, especially among world leaders.

For example, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek said, United States President Barack Obama has high regard for the Malaysian leader.

"Whether you like it or not, Obama has high regards for Najib's leadership.

"The president of China, too, even Putin. These are all world leaders," Hasan said in his speech at the corporate integrity pledge signing ceremony by the Malaysia Competition Commission (myCC) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Hasan said these world leaders recognised that the Malaysian government leadership provides for what Malaysians need.

Hasan may have heaped praise on his boss, but his statement seemed ironic as Najib has received criticisms for retaining the Sedition Act as well as the imprisonment of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy, which many see as political in nature.

Mounting criticisms from various quarters

Najib also faces mounting criticisms from various quarters over his brainchild 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), with the latest expose that savings fund Lembaga Tabung Haji had purchased land from the state investment fund, courting a lot more brickbats.

His number one critic now, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is also relentless in his attacks against Najib.

Apart from the 1MDB issue, Mahathir has also questioned who had given orders to kill Mongolian translator Altantuya Shaariibuu, who played a role in Malaysia's purchase of the French Scorpene submarines.

The latest episode sees Najib's son, Nazifuddin Najib, claiming that attempts to link him to a Ponzi schem e may be part of an effort to get at his father.