LOCAL government experts are reminding councils to keep their full board meetings open to the media to ensure transparency and public access to information.
Lawyer Derek Fernandez said Section 23 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) mandated that such meetings be open to the press.
The former Petaling Jaya councillor said that while councils might limit physical access for health or security reasons, such a move must be decided collectively by councillors.
“The full board must collectively make that decision after a comprehensive discussion at that very meeting.
“The justification and minutes of the session must also be made available, as required under Section 27(3) of the same Act.”
The reminder came after a journalist was barred from covering a Selangor local council full board meeting in person earlier this week.
During the meeting, the journalist was asked to leave shortly after being allowed inside and having his attendance recorded.
The local council’s spokesperson said media personnel were encouraged to watch the session via live stream, instead of in person.
“No press conferences will be held, but those who have questions may get in touch with the council for a response.”
However, Fernandez said the Act required local councils to allow physical attendance by the media, stressing that live streaming was only intended for those unable to attend in person.
“The right of the press to attend full board meetings is a fundamental principle of transparency and open government.
“Any improper restriction will seriously undermine public confidence in local governance,” he said.
Full board meetings are held once a month, chaired by the mayor for cities or council presidents for municipalities, with department heads and councillors in attendance to discuss monthly activities and pressing matters.
Activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said allowing journalists to cover meetings in person was crucial to ensure important issues were reported accurately.
“If they cannot attend these sessions, reporters might miss news or developments of public interest.
“Simply live streaming the meeting will not do.
“Journalists need to be on the ground to get comprehensive accounts of what transpired.”
Former Subang Jaya Municipal Council president Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan, who was also formerly Kuala Lumpur mayor, said live streaming should only complement physical meetings.
“It can be one of the mediums for people to follow the meeting.
“But reporters should still be allowed to attend in person, with a press conference held afterwards for them to ask questions.”
Former Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) councillor Mohamad Samat said that although local authorities could now engage ratepayers through social media − including via live streaming − they must still cultivate ties with mainstream media.
“A good working relationship with the media enables councils to communicate their work more effectively to the public,” he said.
