Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the English, Bahasa, Tamil and Chinese papers?

Front Page

English newspapers

New Straits Times highlighted Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s call urging delegates not to use slander and dirty tactics against rivals as they bid for positions in Umno.

Star reported on the ‘final push’ by campaigners ahead of the Umno elections later this week.

Malay newspapers

Both Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian led with Abdullah’s call to Umno’s aspiring leaders.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily News headlined the upcoming Umno general assembly.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported on ousted perak menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin being named as the PAS candidate for the April 7 Bukit Gantang by-election.

Sin Chew Daily front-paged comments by several leaders on former premier Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s statement branding the Chinese as ‘racists’.

China Press reported on a police operation that has uncovered a massive drug-manufacturing factory.

Tamil newspapers

Makkal Osai reported that 7,000 Sri Lankan Tamils residing in Malaysia will go on a hunger strike to highlight issues surrounding bad living conditions in both Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Malaysia Nanban

questioned whether Barisan Nasional’s (BN) chances would be hampered in three upcoming by-elections following S Samy Vellu’s success in retaining MIC’s top post for the 11th term.

Tamil Nesan led with Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak stating that the BN will not interfere in matters related to the MIC leadership.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented that Samy Vellu’s political longevity may become MIC’s political liability.

Utusan Malaysia

stated that PKR should reflect on itself before pointing the finger at rivals, following the resignation of Penang Deputy Chief Minister (I) Mohammed Fairus Khairuddin.

Berita Harian opined that the RM3.2 billion worth of contracts will give a new lease of life to contractors.

Sin Chew Daily commented on Mahathir’s claims about the Chinese community.

Oriental Daily News said that, while stimulating the country’s economy is of utmost importance, this should not be a rush job.

Nanyang Siang Pau also commented on Mahathir’s statement, saying that the only way to end racism is through a transparent and fair government.

Malaysia Nanban called for religion to be taught in Tamil schools.

Makkal Osai expressed the expectation that ‘something new’ will come out of the Umno general assembly.

Tamil Nesan said it is hopeful that Samy Vellu’s leadership will further strengthen the MIC.