Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is prepared to meet Terengganu Menteri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang over the latter's allegation that certain quarters in the Terengganu police department are involved in vice activities.

Abdullah, who is Home Minister, said he has no qualms about meeting Abdul Hadi if he has additional information regarding the matter.

Assist in probe

"But I have said yesterday that I have asked the police to investigate and the matter is still under investigation," Abdullah told reporters in Penang today.

"Hadi must assist in the investigations and if he wants to give me additional information, I have no problems," he added.

Abdul Hadi caused a furore recently when he remarked in o­ne of his ceramahs (political talks) in Machang, Kelantan, that the police were protecting those involved in illicit activities in Terengganu.

He later clarified that he o­nly meant "some and not all" were involved.

As a result of his allegation, former Terengganu Police chief DCP Othman Talib lodged a police report against Hadi and threatened to sue him for tarnishing the image of the police department.

Abdul Hadi then requested to see Abdullah, saying he does not want to talk about his accusations through the media.

No benefit

Abdullah responded by saying he would be happy to send Bukit Aman police officers to meet Hadi to get to the bottom of the matter.

The deputy premier said that the police would act o­n facts and information which will help investigations is welcomed.

"If we act without facts, it means that there will be many allegations. That's not the way the police work," he added.

Abdullah also said he welcomed the participation of the opposition in nation building.

But he warned them against making random allegations, saying such actions do not benefit anyone at all.