The police are seeking the help of those who posted online the allegation that Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharum had taken bribes amounting to RM5.5 million to free suspects held under the Emergency Ordinance (EO).

Inspector-general of police Musa Hassan said the police wanted to know how these individuals had knowledge of this information.

"If they can provide us vital information, it will benefit our investigation. We greatly welcome them to come forward by themselves and assist us to ensure a smooth investigation," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

He also stressed that the police would be fair to all in the matter. As for the investigations, Musa said it was still too early to make any comments.

"It's too early to come up with a conclusion and it's our job to find out the truth. Nothing is true without evidence," he said.

Yesterday, Musa told malaysiakini that the police will assist the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in its investigations into the claim.

He also said that the matter involved the integrity of the police and action would be taken against any police personnel found to be involved.

The 'freedom for sale' allegation against Johari first surfaced on the Internet - in a page hosted by free website, Freewebs.com. It accused him of being the "most powerful, but corrupted deputy minister."

The anoymous website cited three 'classic cases' in which Johari had allegedly abused his power and breached the trust of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is his immediate boss in the Internal Security Ministry.

The deputy minister was accused of freeing three suspects linked to gangsterism and vice activities early this year. One of the suspects is said to be the brother of another deputy minister.

Johari has denied the allegations and accused the police of not conducting their investigations properly.

ACA chief to be quizzed

In another development, Musa said ACA director-general Zulkipli Mat Noor, who has been accused of corruption and abuse of power, would be questioned soon.

He said Zulkipli has been told to prepare himself to face the investigation taskforce and that he has agreed to facilitate the police investigation.

Retired Sabah ACA director Mohamad Ramli Manan had alleged that Zulkipli was involved in corruption and abuse of power.

The allegations were raised in a letter sent to then police chief Mohd Bakri Omar.

Zulkipli, who has denied the allegations, was said to have amassed properties and wealth beyond his means.

Apart from this, it was also revealed that a businesswoman had accused him of a sexual crime and assault in 1997 when he was Johor police.

However, attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail said police investigations back then found no grounds for prosecution.