The first meeting of the Royal Commission on the Police today saw all 16 members pledging their commitment to an open and transparent inquiry into police conduct, beginnning with open hearings and public inquiries to be held throughout the country.

"We must be open and transparent...There is nothing for us to hide," said commission chairperson and former chief justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, at a press conference this afternoon following a four-hour closed-door meeting.

However, he assured whistleblowers or groups that request anonymity that closed-door meetings can be arranged in order to protect them.

Dzaiddin said the commission would rely on section 8 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950 to protect the identity of those who wish to provide information in secret.

"The commission can decide whether...to restrict certain aspects of matters, but NGOs and individuals are welcome to make their submissions," he said.

Asked to describe today's meeting, Dzaiddin said it was "very successful" and that the discussions had been "constructive".

Deputy chairperson and former police chief Hanif Omar and commission secretary Hamzah Md Rus were also at the press briefing, held at the Home Ministry in Putrajaya.

Initial duties

The commission's first task begins next week, when it holds an audience with police chiefs in Bukit Aman on Monday.

"Presentation will be made by the Royal Malaysian Police, to be headed by Inspector-General of Police and all heads of department," said Dzaiddin.

This meeting will kick off the inquiry into the commission's first mandate - the role and responsibilities of the police.

"This is very broad - we are not just looking at the negative aspects but also the positive. That is why we will be meeting with the police first."

As inquiries and public audiences will be held nationwide, Dzaiddin said the commission members may have to be divided into teams.

The public will also be able to submit their grouses via the commission's website, which will be operational within two weeks, Dzaiddin said.

He disclosed, however, that complaints had already arrived at his home over the past few days and that the contents were constructive.

Under the terms of reference (see chart), the commission will have to submit an interim report within six months, and final recommendations are to be made within 12 months of the commission's establishment on Feb 4.

A progress report can be expected by August, added Dzaiddin.

The idea of a royal commission was mooted by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last December, to find ways of modernising the police force and restoring an image that has been tainted by corruption and alleged use of excessive force.