The implementation of a permanent oversight body on the operations of the police force will ensure the that the police will carry out its rightful number one priority - fighting crime.

"The most effective factor to deter crime is to have a modern, professional and competent police force which could deliver world-class police service to reduce crime ... and reassure the people about the safety of the streets, public places and the homes," said Ipoh Timur parliamentarian Lim Kit Siang.

Thus he argued that the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), as mooted by the Royal Police Commission, was vital in addressing the general dissatisfaction of the conduct and performance of the police force.

Lim, who is also opposition leader, said this in his speech at a forum in Ipoh last night entitled, "Fight Crime and Fear of Crime", organised in response to the spate of violent crimes, especially snatch thefts, throughout the country recently.

Come Monday when Dewan Rakyat resumes its sittings, Lim would be questioning Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the status of the IPCMC and whether a bill for its establishment would be presented to Parliament soon.

Fifteen months have passed since the Royal Police Commission forwarded the proposal which has received the nod from Abdullah, who on June 26 told the Dewan Rakyat that the Attorney-General's Chambers were in the final stages in studying the matter.

No more 'invisible' cops

Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail was asked to probe the feasibility of creating the watchdog body, which has been strongly opposed by the police and a large portion of Umno backbenchers.

Lim's speech also called for the redeployment of police personnel to double the number of police officers in carrying out the task of crime fighting.

"The present seven to eight percent, or some 6,600 of the 95,000-strong police force... is grossly inadequate," he said.

Citing the Royal Police Commission report, Lim said that an additional 35,000 uniformed police personnel could be redeployed into active crime fighting functions.

He explains that the show of force by the police was necessary, as the public has yet to feel any positive impacts from the implementation of 80 percent of the commission's recommendations, as announced by Inspector General of Police Bakri Omar.

"The public have not seen any change for the better, whether in terms of greater police visibility in the streets or improvement in the perception that the battle against crime and the fear of crime is being won," added Lim.