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Statement on the Police Royal Commission and attendants at its hearings. 9.4.2004.

The Commission should also consider making some of the hearings public including live television broadcast.

Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the big disappointment expressed by the Royal Commission chairman Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah yesterday on few parties attending its hearings in Sabah and Sarawak. 9.4.2004.

Yesterday, Tun Dzaiddin said that only three and two parties attended the commission's hearings in Sarawak and Sabah respectively. We hope more will come forward and contribute.

He believes that he has given sufficient publicity about the hearings. This is one way of calling the public to attend. We don't know if he uses other methods. He is conversant with the reasons for some to be reluctant to come forth.

Besides the publicity, the Commission should ascertain and identify those who have something to say or complain about the police. If necessary, it can use its powers to force any person to give evidence. Naturally, it is better for the public to attend spontaneously.

Hitherto, Tun Dzaiddin has not made public any findings. The original plan is to submit a temporary report to the King within six months of the formation of the Commission. We feel that apart from exceptional circumstances, the hearings should be open to the public and that there is even the need to consider having a live television broadcast on them.

We want a world-class police force. We still have a long way to go. The Commission can start by having a more transparent and accountable methods of inquiries.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw