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A ROYAL Commission of Inquiry is a major government public inquiry into matters of great importance and usually controversial and is a feature in Commonwealth countries.

The matters could involve government structure, treatment of minorities, events of considerable public concern or economic questions.

The commission, created by the head of state on the advice of the government, is chaired by one or more notable figures, who are often retired judges. A royal commissioner has considerable powers, generally greater even than those of a judge but restricted to its "terms of reference".

Royal commissions usually involve research into an issue, consultations with experts within and outside of government and public consultations as well. The warrant may grant immense investigatory powers, including summoning witnesses under oath, offering of indemnities, seizing of documents and other evidence (sometimes including those normally protected, such as classified information), holding hearings in camera if necessary and in a few cases, compelling all government officials to aid in the execution of the commission.

The results of royal commissions are published in massive reports of findings containing policy recommendations. These reports are often influential.

Among the notable Royal Commissions of Inquiry held in Malaysia:

- Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam Video Clip (2007)

- Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged injuries suffered by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while in police custody (1999)

- Royal Commission of Inquiry into the fire at the Bright Sparklers factory in Sungai Buloh New Village (1991)

- Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate a fire at Sekolah Agama Rakyat Taufikah al-Halimah in Padang Lumat, Yan, Kedah (1989)

- Royal Commission of Inquiry on the collapse of the upper deck of the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth (1988) - NST