Dr Mahathir Mohamad was stopped from attending the installation ceremony of the 14th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to avoid an awkward meeting between him and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, claimed former minister Zainuddin Maidin.

Zainuddin said this in reference to the letter from the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal on Monday, informing the former prime minister that his invitation to the Dec 13 ceremony had been cancelled.

"The cancellation - after Mahathir accepted the invitation - was not to embarrass him but rather to avoid embarrassment by Najib if he were to cross paths with Mahathir," he said in a blog posting today.

Zainuddin said the fact the invitation went out on Nov 10 and was cancelled almost a month later showed that the Prime Minister's Department was initially not aware Mahathir would be there.

"Before an embarrassing situation unfolded at the ceremony, the Prime Minister's Department had to take stern action even though it may create a negative impression that 'Istana Negara belonged to Najib and BN'," he said.

Zainuddin also shared what he thought may happen if Mahathir were to attend the function.

"We can predict what will happen if Mahathir were to attend as many noble guests would focus on Mahathir, before and after the ceremony, to greet and kiss his hand.

"This will put BN leaders, particularly the prime minister and other ministers in an awkward and embarrassing situation.

"Security will definitely not be able to forbid anyone from meeting Mahathir at the ceremony," he said.

Zainuddin said the withdrawal of the invitation was not a loss to Mahathir.

He said the public will likely sympathise with Mahathir due to the ill-treatment against him.

Mahathir in a blog posting today responded to the retraction of the invitation, sarcastically stating that he had made a wrong assumption and will note that the 'Istana Negara belonged to BN and Najib'.

Once a mentor to Najib, Mahathir has organised a concerted effort to remove the prime minister, accusing him of corruption.

Najib and Umno have also abandoned all niceties towards the the statesperson who served as prime minister for 22 years, branding him a traitor.

Najib had denied wrongdoing or taking public funds for personal gain and accused Mahathir of wanting to make his son Mukhriz as prime minister.