Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the newspapers?

Front Page

English newspapers

New Straits Times headlined comments by premier Najib Abdul Razak that Umno will not hold ‘unity talks’ with PAS if the latter party is not united.

Star reported that the government is losing billions of ringgit due to ‘overpayment’ for contracts and procurement transactions.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia quoted PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub as confirming that the party will hold a special central committee meeting instead of an emergency general meeting (EGM) to discuss PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s call to remove certain ‘problematic’ leaders.

Berita Harian front-paged PAS Ulama Chambers chief Harun Taib’s remark that Nik Aziz’s recommendation to hold an EGM is ridiculous.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press and Sin Chew Daily led with the decision of Teoh Beng Hock’s family to apply for a second post-mortem, this time by renowned Thai pathologist Pornthip Rojanasunand.

Oriental Daily News headlined that there is much dissatisfaction in MCA Youth over president Ong Tee Keat’s unity plan, and that some may attempt to call another EGM to oust Ong.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan

led with MIC Youth adviser S Vel Paari stating that there won’t be any more temple demolitions until a permanent solution is found.

Makkal Osai quoted an MIED insider as confirming the accuracy of comments made by former CEO V Chitrakala and former MIC treasurer-general, M Mahalingam. The source said MIC president S Samy Vellu had attempted to hijack MIED - the party’s education arm - a decade ago.

Malaysia Nanban

highlighted the plight of residents in Dusun Durian, Morib, who have yet to receive houses, despite having paid a deposit.

Editorial

New Straits Times said MCA is the third BN component party that is undergoing rejuvenation.

Utusan Malaysia described Budget 2010 as a bold move by the government to ensure the well being of the people.

Commenting on the PAS crisis, Berita Harian said its leaders are afraid of making the wrong decision as this could damage the party’s position in Pakatan Rakyat.

Sin Chew Daily

commented that although Asean countries set up the regional human rights commission on last Friday, its effectiveness remains to be proven.

China Press hoped that a second post-mortem will bring out the truth as to how Teoh Beng Hock died.

Nanyang Siang Pau urged the government to strengthen MACC alongside the move to introduce a Whistle Blowers Act.

Malaysia Nanban

also commented on the budget, saying that it does not burden the people.

Makkal Osai called for MIED to be safeguarded from the clutches of Samy Vellu.