In a Facebook post earlier today, Puad had questioned if the new rule was linked to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s return from his official visit to Indonesia last Friday.

He asked if claims of a commotion that had occurred at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang over the mandatory quarantine process was true and if this was why the new rule was now put in place.

The rule is contained in a new ministerial order which will be in force from today until Aug 1, requiring ministers to only undergo observation for three days or undergo surveillance until they can be discharged without danger to the public.

In a statement, the PMO said there was no truth to Puad’s remarks.

“The prime minister was given a Home Surveillance Order and a (quarantine) wristband as soon as he returned from Jakarta, Indonesia on Feb 5.

“He is undergoing quarantine at home,” the PMO said.

Describing Puad’s remarks as ill-intended, the PMO said legal action will be taken against the former MP should he fail to openly apologise to the prime minister.

Members of the public have voiced discontent with the new rule exempting Cabinet members returning from official visits from having to undergo the mandatory 10-day quarantine, saying it reeked of double standards.

On social media, many are demanding health minister Dr Adham Baba resign over the matter.