Editorial

English newspapers

New Straits Times front-paged changes that are to be reinforced with today's unveiling of 10th Malaysian Plan (RMK10).

The Star headlined the shocking complaints of mismanagement of funds and unlawful sacking of members of religious institutions

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia reported that about four syndicates had been identified by the police for involvement in illegal sports betting.

Berita Harian headlined the new focus that has been adopted by the government to transform Malaysia into a high-economy country with the unveiling of the RMK10.

Sinar Harian front-paged the chaos between BN members of parliament and opposition leaders in Parliament yesterday.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau

, quoting a source, reported that government would allocate more than RM200 billion as development expenditure for the 10th Malaysia Plan, despite its budget constraints.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Najib Abdul Razak will unveil the five-year economic growth plan in Parliament this morning.

Both China Press and Sin Chew Daily highlighted a stern warning from the police and Deputy Home Minister Lee Chee Leong against illegal sports betting during the World Cup football matches.

Those involved in illegal sports betting can be jailed a maximum of five years or fined not more than RM200,000 if found guilty.

Oriental Daily

also reported that police would set up a special team to monitor illegal sports betting activities.

Editorials

New Straits Times

discussed the sequence of events following the daily's March 23 report on the possibility of sports betting being legalised.

Utusan Malaysia urged the government to pass the motion on an extended holiday package for new mothers and to implement it immediately.

Berita Harian suggested that the proposed extended holiday package for the new mothers would help them to sustain their jobs.

Sin Chew Daily said enforcement officers should use preventive measures only when necessary as this would deeply affect the lives of detainees.

China Press commented on the recent flip-flop decisions of the government, including the legalisation of sports betting, restricting sales of cigarettes to 14-stick packets and the figures on subsidies. The newspaper said the different ministries should coordinate their work to avoid confusing the people.

Commenting on the recent arrest of a rapist taxi driver, Nanyang Siang Pau said the women should be careful and avoid walking alone or going to high risk places.