Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar today denied that the preliminary report by the special police commission was being shielded from public view.

He was responding to Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) during the question session at the Dewan Rakyat.

Lim, who is also DAP chairperson, asked why Noh was "inflicted by the secrecy syndrome" in relation to the report not being made public.

However, the deputy minister replied that it was not a secret and the opposition leader could obtain a copy from him.

Met later, Noh told reporters that it was not meant for public consumption because it was just an interim report.

"Wait until the full report is completed next May. We will have to submit it to the King first," he said, adding that he was uncertain whether the report would be tabled in Parliament for debated.

Completed early last month, the preliminary report listed a number of findings and feedback from people of all walks of life including serving and retired police officers.

The commission held 26 public inquiries nationwide and also received memoranda from various bodies including political parties and professional groups.

Rampant corruption

In the report, the commission stated that corruption was allegedly rampant in the police force from top to bottom. It also said the police lacked the resources to enforce law and order effectively.

The 16-member commission also discovered that there had been excessive force used against suspects under arrest.

The Special Commission to Enhance the Management and Operations of the Police Force - as it is known in full - was set up by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi following widespread complaints against the police.

The commission was tasked to provide recommendations on how to improve the police force.