The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council plans to lodge a police report against a journalist and a 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 Dec 2, the New Straits Times reported that during a meeting between the council and the Malaysian Animal Rights and Welfare Association on the reported cruelty of the council's dog catchers, the council’s officials said they were considering lodging a police report against the newspaper and its writer for highlighting the incident.

The meeting was referring to a Nov 10 report that a member of the public witnessed council officers on a stray dogs operation behaving cruelly towards one of the animals.

CIJ is concerned that the media may face undue pressure merely for doing their 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 outlet had been clearly shown to be wrong.

Turning to legal system immediately reflects a poor appreciation of the role of the press and an impression that public scrutiny of its (the council’s) performance is unwelcome.

CIJ asks the council to desist from such action now and in the future. As with any public body funded by taxpayers, the council must be governed by transparency and openness, which will in turn 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.

The writer is communication officer, Centre for Independent Journalism.