The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) today urged political parties not to restrict media from covering public functions.

Its executive director V Gayathry said the association disagreed with the decision by the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat to bar an Utusan Malaysia reporter from covering its press conference.

"CIJ believes that media professionals, regardless of the owners' political affiliations, should be allowed to cover all public functions organised by the state," she said in a statement, here.

On Wednesday, Umno-owned Utusan reporter Abdul Yazid Alias claimed that he was asked to leave a press conference organised by the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat Elected Representatives Officers Association (Selproa) secretary Ng Yap Hwa.

However, Gayathry stressed that while media should be allowed full access to cover public events and issues of public interest, they must, on their part, give fair coverage.

"The continued hostility between Pakatan Rakyat and certain Barisan Nasional-linked or controlled newspapers about alleged unfair and inaccurate representations have resulted in the media being denied access from Pakatan Rakyat events.

"As the primary constituent of the two are public, the hostility affects the public's rights to know," she said.

She said CIJ reiterated that any restrictions on media organisations to cover public events was unacceptable.

"On the other hand, public interests can only be served if the media are allowed to do its job in accordance to the principles of fairness and objectivity.

"CIJ 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," added Gayathry.

- Bernama