(June 8): An Umno backbencher said police were right to cancel the “Nothing To Hide” forum on Friday for security reasons, as it was to safeguard the dignity of the country's leaders.

Datuk Seri Noh Omar (BN-Tanjong Karang) said even if Datuk Seri Najib Razak had addressed the crowd at the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) dialogue, it would not have made any difference as the people had already made up their minds on the matter.

"I congratulate the IGP as this is not only a question of security but dignity as well as it involves two statesmen.

"I believe whatever is said by the prime minister, the former prime minister's supporters would not listen as they are all emotionally charged.

"Don't win the battle but lose the war, this is exactly what the opposition wants," he said while debating the 11th Malaysia Plan today.

Najib was scheduled to attend the highly anticipated forum organised by non-governmental organisation SukaGuam, but backed out on the advice of Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar who ordered the forum be cancelled on the grounds of "public order and national harmony".

The event was postponed and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad instead took to the stage before police stopped him from addressing more than 1,000 people at the venue.

Observers said Najib's no-show at the forum, where his supporter-turned-critic Dr Mahathir was present, undermined his credibility and damaged his reputation.

They said despite security concerns, the prime minister, who only a day earlier had declared that he had a "warrior spirit", should have proven his mettle by engaging his critics and answering questions on current issues, especially on matters surrounding 1MDB.

Dr Mahathir has for months openly criticised Najib’s administration and some of his policies, including the fiasco surrounding the debt-laden 1MDB.

Noh today suggested that a meeting be held between Najib and Dr Mahathir instead of getting the two leaders to slug it out in the open.

"Have a heart-to-heart talk to find out what's the problem, not this public show, which is what the opposition wants," he said. – The Malaysian Insider