Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was disappointed with Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar's decision to pull the plug on a much anticipated dialogue session.

Speaking to Malaysiakini , Khalid said he informed the prime minister of his decision this morning.

"PM was not too happy with my decision but for safety and security reasons, as well as to preserve harmony, I had to make my stand and therefore cancelled the event.

"I hope every peace loving Malaysian understands," he said, adding that it was his responsibility as the police chief to act in the interests of security.

Khalid said he would issue a press statement after Friday prayers to explain his decision in detail and list out the security concerns which motivated it.

The Prime Minister's Office also cited the IGP's advice as the reason for Najib not attending the event.

This morning, Khalid tweeted his decision, leaving some 2,000 people who gathered at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) vexed.

Also present was former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is the prime minister's chief critic.

Despite the police chief's stand, Najib's detractors have accused the prime minister of suffering from cold feet with regard to facing Mahathir in a public forum.

The social media is replete with tweets and Facebook postings ridiculing Najib for not showing up, especially in the wake of his speech in Sarawak yesterday, where the prime minister told his audience that he possesses the warrior spirit.

The dialogue session themed "Nothing to Hide" was organised by a law group called SukaGuam.

It was touted as no holds barred session for participants to grill Najib on various issues, including the problems in 1MDB.