The following is a press statement from the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), a SEAPA partner based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Council should counter media through media, not police

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council plans to lodge a police report against the journalist and the media outlet which reported unfavourably of the council. CIJ finds it worrying that the council chooses to view in criminal light the media's duty to report to the public objectively. Further, the council should understand that there are democratic options for pursuing redress, such as right of reply or correction.

On December 2, the "New Straits Times" reported that during a meeting between the Malaysian Animal Rights and Welfare Association and the council on the reported cruelty of the council's dog catchers, the councils officials said they are considering lodging a police report against the newspaper and its writer for highlighting the incident. The meeting was referring to a November 10 report that a member of the public witnessed council officers on stray dogs operation behaving cruelly to one of the animals.

CIJ is concerned that the media may face undue pressure merely for doing its job since the state is not using less harsh options. The council, if it feels that it has been unfairly reported, can always give its version of the event to the press and seek a correction or an apology if the media had been clearly shown to be wrong. Turning to laws immediately reflects a poor appreciation of the role of the press and an impression that public scrutiny on its performance is unwelcome.

CIJ asks the council to desist from such action now and in future. As with any public body funded by tax-payers, the council must be governed by transparency and openness, which will also boost its image and standing. And one barometer of transparency is the level of respect and freedom accorded to the press for it to do its job.