Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the establishment of a royal commission to modernise the police force and restore its credibility tainted by corruption and alleged use of excessive force.

Abdullah, who is also home minister, said cases of corruption involving police officials have undermined the public's confidence, and issues such as police brutality and poor service have further clouded their image.

Although crime rates have dropped by about five percent from a year ago to 149,042 cases in 2002 and dipped further to 118,468 cases in September, many Malaysians "still do not feel safe," he said.

"The Malaysian police is facing an image crisis due to corruption and an inefficient work process. We must work to change the people's perception of the police and regain their trust," he told a gathering of the country's top police officers.

Abdullah said the royal commission would seek to modernise police operations, find ways to improve work ethics and cut bureaucracy, and build a force well-versed in human rights when discharging their duties.

The police force must change their values and mindset, improve their service, adopt "zero tolerance" towards graft and be more empathic especially towards victims of violent and sexual crimes, he said.

Abdullah told reporters later that the move was not aimed at seeking popularity just two months after he took over from veteran strongman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who retired Oct 31 after 22 years in power. The new premier faces his first test in general elections next year.

"This is not lip-service. It is not a move simply for me to gain popularity but it is something we must do. I have discussed this with the police and we have decided that this is the best way," Abdullah said.

Ombudsman

Details of the commission are being finalised and will be presented to the king for approval soon, he added.

The opposition DAP hailed Abdullah's move but said the government must ensure it appoints independent and credible commissioners.

In a statement, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang called for the commission to be given more power to address serious crime waves in many urban areas, and to improve police accountability and transparency.

Lim also called for the establishment of an independent police ombudsman to conduct probes into numerous complaints of abuse of power including false arrests and trigger-happy police shootings.

Police integrity hit a low after ex-police chief Rahim Noor assaulted jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in 1998, and police were accused of using excessive force against Anwar's supporters in subsequent mass anti-government protests.

Anwar was sacked and detained in September 1998, and sentenced to a total 15 years in jail for abuse of power and sodomy. - AFP