A bitter quarrel between former premier Mahathir Mohamad and Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz that has captivated Malaysia was put to rest today as the pair shared a public and emotional embrace.

A tearful Rafidah, a one-time protege of the veteran leader, was seen hugging Mahathir at a function to celebrate Malaysia's national day celebrations in Putrajaya, the country's administrative capital.

Several cabinet members witnessed the warm embrace, which was one of highlights of the days' festivities, the official Bernama news agency said.

Mahathir was smiling and composed as a red-faced and emotional Rafidah hugged him. She later embraced his wife, Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali and accompanied the couple to their car, dabbing her eyes with tissue, said Bernama .

Public war of words

Rafidah, 62, is one of the most senior figures in the government but her future was brought into question by the row with Mahathir, which was centred on the Proton national car which he launched in the 1980s.

After Proton claimed it was being treated poorly by the government, Rafidah shot back that its poor performance was due to shoddy quality and a lack of competitiveness.

Her remarks sparked a public war of words with Mahathir, a famously outspoken politician who remains an advisor to the automaker. At one point she publicly broken down in tears when quizzed over the affair.

Mahathir said Proton was being undermined by underpriced foreign cars flooding Malaysia through what he alleged was the indiscriminate issuing of vehicle import permits by Rafidah's ministry to privileged individuals.

The fallout saw Rafidah severely criticised by her party over the permit scheme, with calls from some quarters for her resignation and demands that she apologise to Mahathir for being disrespecful.