DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang has urged Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to consult opposition and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the make-up of the Royal Commission on the police.

In a statement today, Lim said that the consultation with all political parties and civil society groups was vital to enable the commission to address the lack of public confidence in the police force.

He stressed that their participation would also help to ensure the appointment of commissioners who are independent, credible and of high integrity.

World class police service

Consultation, he said, would also assist in defining the terms of reference used in the Royal Commission, to ensure that Malaysia has a world class police service and improve the public-safety index.

"In establishing the Police Royal Commission, Abdullah should heed concerns that the police should not be allowed to have the biggest say to hijack its terms of reference into focusing primarily on acute manpower shortages," he said.

The prime minister announced the establishment of a Royal Commission to modernise the police force earlier this month.

Abdullah, who is also home minister, cited corruption cases involving police officers, lack of public confidence as well as poor service that has tainted their image.