On 25 November, Yazid Aliaz from Malay daily Utusan Malaysia was asked to leave the press conference organized by the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat Elected Representatives Officers Association (Selproa). Selproa secretary Ng Yap Hwa was reported to have singled out Yazid for the media organization that he represented.

CIJ also stresses that while media should be allowed full access to cover public events and public interest issues, it is also important that media give fair representation to all sides of the story. The hostility between the Pakatan Rakyat and certain Barisan Nasional-owned and controlled newspapers continues as complaints about unfair and inaccurate representations have resulted in the media being denied access from the PR's events. As the primary constituent of the two are the public, the hostility affects the public's right to know.

When contacted by CIJ, Yazid Alias said that he could not produce a story for the event as he had to leave the conference room. He also told CIJ that he was asked to comment on Yap's remarks, which took place after he had left the venue. Yazid's comment was later reported in the media as part of the portrayal of the incident. When contacted, Yap complained that the portrayal was inaccurate and he told CIJ that he will be writing a letter of complaint to the media concerned.

CIJ reiterates that any restriction upon media organization to cover public events is unacceptable. On the other hand, public interest can only be served if the media are allowed to do its job in accordance to the principles of fairness and objectivity.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran

For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772.