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

Malay newspapers

The eagerly awaited details over newly appointed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's 'One Malaysia' concept was unexpectedly given only scant coverage in newspapers today.

Leading Malay broadsheet Utusan Malaysia was the sole newspaper which featured Najib's explanation on the topic on its front page, albeit as a second lead story.

The newspaper also dedicated most of its second-page to the subject, including a one report with the heading ‘Bumiputera's would still be assisted', followed by a transcript of excerpts of Najib's press conference on the matter.

The main focus of the Malay papers - Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian - today was on the absorption of functions and agencies under the now dissolved Ministry of Entrepreneur and Corporative Development (MeCD) into eight other ministries.

Both newspapers also carried a front-page picture featuring both Najib and former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad posing during the launch of the new Proton model, Exora.

English newspapers

Similar to the Malay dailies, the Star highlighted the reshuffle in agencies as well as Najib's instructions to his new lineup of cabinet ministers.

Also prominently featuring the Najib-Mahathir photo with the Proton Exora, the Star included Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong's decision to stay on as a state representative and Selangor exco as a second lead.

Meanwhile, New Straits Times front-paged Najib's instructions to his cabinet ministers and his warning to them that they were being monitored through key-performance indicators.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban had Kapar MP S Manikavasagam challenging MIC president S Samy Vellu to be responsible for his failures as the leader of the Indian community.

Makkal Osai reported on Bukit Lanjan state representative Elizabeth Wong ‘s decision to remain in that post.

Tamil Nesan led with Najib's assurance that the Indian community would not be sidelined by the government.

The daily also reported that a police report had been lodged by the MIC Youth against Manikavasagam over his accusations against Samy Vellu.

Also highlighted was the ongoing tiff between a MIC Youth leader G Kumar Amman and Makkal Osai .

Editorial

New Straits Times editorial urged newly minted Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim to listen to a large pool of talent on how to run his wide ranging and newly established ministry.

Just a day after urging Malays to ‘ bangkit' (rise up) on its front page, Utusan Malaysia appeared to have soften its stance with an editorial titled ‘All races must defend unity'.

"We urge the non-Malays to stop raising (issues) and challenging ketuanan Melayu in areas of religion, the sovereignty of the Malay rulers and Malay special rights," read the editorial.

Tamil Nesan commented that the Indian youngsters should stop their involvement in criminal activities and gangsterism which was becoming worryingly rampant.

Makkal Osai commended Najib for his call for all Malaysians to think as they were one entity.

Malaysia Nanban expressed dismay over the international silence on the ongoing war in Sri Lanka which has caused many Tamil lives there.