Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob received a hero's welcome at the cigarette smoke-laced Riverside Cafe at the Putra World Trade Centre, as supporters gave him a standing ovation for his recent call to boycott Chinese traders.

The roaring applause interrupted a press conference at the cafe by former Umno Youth leaders to show solidarity with the minister, who has been lambasted - including by partner MCA - for his recent controversial Facebook status.