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 and Star led with updates on the swine flu epidemic as World Health Organisation raised the flu alert to Level 4. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s call for modernisation of the civil service, which include proposals to tap the best brains from the private sector to fill top government posts.

Berita Harian highlighted advice from Health Ministry director-general Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, urging Malaysians not to travel abroad for the time being due to the swine flu outbreak.

Chinese newspapers

Both Nanyang Siang Pau and Oriental Daily News warned that the swine flu strain had entered Asia.

Sin Chew Daily highlighted the fact that the swine flu outbreak has reached Level 4.

China Press reported that swine flu has acquired sustained human-to-human transmission.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban reported that the Federal Court will decide on the legality of the conversion of children to Islam in the case of S Shamala vs Mohd Ridwan Mogarajah.

Makkal Osai

and Tamil Nesan headlined the escape of Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam leader V Prabakaran.

Editorial

New Straits Times opined that Malaysia is better prepared to deal with swine flu because of its experience in handling the outbreak of other viruses previously.

Utusan Malaysia said the liberalisation of financial services will spur the economy.

Berita Harian

took the approach that the liberalisation measures will benefit the people.

Nanyang Siang Pau urged the police to crackdown on Mat Rempits.

Sin Chew Daily commended the government’s move to liberalise the economy, and expressed hope that the imminent influx of foreign investment will spur investments.

Commenting on Najib’s call to modernise the civil service, Makkal Osai asserted that the people expect quality service from government departments.

Tamil Nesan

was of the view that public awareness will hold the key to containing swine flu.