All government departments, institutions and public servants must accept press scrutiny from now on, a circular issued by the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC said.

All government units are required to respond actively to press investigations and interviews and should not cover up facts apart from information involving State security and other confidential contents.

Government departments should remedy mistakes as soon as possible when negative reports are circulated in the media. They should contact the mass media or their superiors by legal means if there is a disagreement with the reports, the circular said.

They are prohibited from acting in any way that would disturb the media's normal operation, under threat of severe punishment or even legal action.

The circular listed five areas that are subject to media reports, including illegal acts, misconduct and inaction by government departments, officials and other public servants.

Hot issues concerning the people's interests are also the main target of press scrutiny.

Reporters and media will be also put under public scrutiny. The circular also reiterated a ban on paid reports as well as reports motivated by promoting personal connections.

(Shenzhen Daily September 2, 2003)