The Police Royal Commission must be free of political interferences in order to discharge its duty impartially, said PAS in a memorandum to Inspector-General of Police Mohd Bakri Omar today.

The three-page memorandum was submitted by PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayob to Bukit Aman federal police headquarters public relations personnel Venogopal Navaretnam..

When met later, the opposition leader said there should be no political interferences to ensure that the resolutions and proposals from the commission are implemented.

"The appointed commissioners should be given adequate space to conduct a transparent assessment without political restrictions and interferences," he told reporters.

He stressed that the police should not be exploited to crackdown on democratic space such as inhibiting opposition activities.

He cited the recent gatherings organised by the Barisan Alternatif at Pasir Salak , Perak and Sabak Bernam , Selangor as examples where the police were allegedly used by the ruling party to further its agenda.

He said the role of the police force should be re-evaluated to ensure that their duties are carried out in accordance to Section 3(3) of the Police Act 1967.

Among others, the act stipulates that the police should uphold the laws and peace of the country, take care of national security, prevent crimes, arrest and prosecute criminals and gather intelligence on national security matters.

'Image crisis'

Salahuddin said the police force was suffering from an "image crisis" due to the many disciplinary cases involving its personnel.

For example, he said Johor police chief Musa Hassan was quoted in the media recently as confirming that a chief inspector in the state was involved in four robberies.

Another recent case, added the PAS leader, saw four police officers from Johor allegedly gang-raping and sodomising an Indonesian woman.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin said the commission should also re-evaluate the salary scheme for police personnel as this would help eradicate corruption.

"This memorandum is to show that PAS wants to establish a fair and prosperous Malaysia. We are confident that the first step towards this is to revamp and improve the police force's credibility as an institution of morality, discipline and excellence," he added.

Also present were PAS Youth deputy president Idris Ahmad, secretary Ahmad Sabki Yusof and information chief Mazlan Aliman

Yesterday, human rights watchdog Suara Rakyat Malaysia or Suaram also submitted a memorandum to the Home Ministry pertaining the setting up of the commission.

The idea for the commission was mooted by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi earlier this month following complaints of brutality and corruption.

However, names of the commissioners have yet to be announced.

According to the 2002 Police Commission report , disciplinary actions were initiated against 754 police personnel who were mostly punished for 'erring in their duties' and graft cases while 98 were relieved of their duties that year.