The release of the report by the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police has attracted not only the interest of the general public but also that of the opposition, non-governmental organisations as well as the international media.

I think we should not question Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's sincerity as proven by his desire to embark on this spring-cleaning of departments under the charge of his own ministry. We appreciate that Pak Lah has the guts to put the police under public scrutiny and of course, while this may hurt, the truth must be told.

The release of the commission's report is an eye-opener for the other ministries, departments and agencies who are prone to corruption and abuses of power. Having said that, nobody can rightfully deny that the police have undertaken many difficult and dangerous tasks in order to ensure the safety and security of the people and nation.

But it is equally important that certain recommendations made in the commission's report be viewed with deep concern and respect. In any family or organisation, there are certain to be a few black sheep, so let us not view all police with disgrace and suspicion.

So to all policemen who are my fellow citizens, don't despair and continue to serve the nation with loyalty and dignity. But corruption and the abuses of power you must stop henceforth to redeem your respect from the people who will then still stand by you with full confidence.