I have read most of the views on the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission from both the mainstream media and other public domains. My view is that there is a tremendous public interest and concern on the subject arising out of their genuine concern on the effectiveness of any remedial measures to improve the quality of the police force in this country.

I have great respect for the Royal Police Commission that put up such comprehensive recommendations to the government. Indeed, they deserve to be studied and thoroughly deliberated by all. My frank views are as follows:-

1. Corruption in this country has become a very wide-spread phenomena and this is not restricted to the police force alone. It is all over the place from office boys right up to members of the cabinet themselves. I have no doubt that Pak Lah is well aware of this. The problem is that the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) is hardly effective. This is largely because it reports to the prime minister and not to an independent party that is above politics.

2. To set up a special commission to police the police force is certainly a very lop-sided decision. We need to examine the issue from a much higher perspective. I would like therefore to propose that the existing ACA be revamped and made answerable directly to the Yang Di Pertuan Agong who will be advised by a panel of senior legal personalities and other professionals not involved with any political party.

3. The new ACA should be given a wider scope of responsibilities which should include all the intended responsibilities that are to be assigned to the proposed IPCMC. This should also include independently assessing and monitoring the conduct of all government servants and politicians holding positions in the government. Ensuring that good governance and the principle of transparency are abided to by all

4. A responsible 'whistle-blowing' culture be developed among members of the public. It must be imbued in them that whistle blowing is part and parcel of the responsibilities of a good citizen. It is also to be instilled that it is a noble way of expressing their civic consciousness.

5. There must be adequate provisions in the law of the land for the protection of whistle blowers and a scheme on how they would be given recognition, and where appropriate, rewarded.

In light of the above perspectives, it should become apparent that the Umno backbenchers, who had been 'turned over' by the police, were moved by their misguided pride and unfounded sentiments rather than an in-depth understanding of the issue and related subject. As regards to the police, I could well appreciate the difficult position they are in, in view of the lop-sidedness of the IPCMC proposal.

As regards the opposition leader and his followers, they would just bark whenever there is opportunity to do so .They fail to realise that this is the best time to tie up all the loose ends and come out with a proposal that would put the country in a better stead to control corruption and improve governance in the country.

As for Pak Lah his cool-mindedness and patience will pay off if he can find a solution along the lines suggested above.