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

and Star both front-paged the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s declaration that the Kota Siputeh state seat is vacant, because BN’s Abu Hassan Sharif had failed to attend two consecutive sittings this year. He will appeal the decision.

New Straits Times also headlined the worsening floods in Kedah, Perak and Kelantan, resulting in thousands having to be evacuated from their homes.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian also led with the declaration of a vacancy in the Kota Siputeh seat in Kedah.

Utusan Malaysia headlined that muftis and religious figures have agreed not to be sponsored to perform the haj if there are elements of bribery or if the sponsorship attracts negative perceptions.

Tamil newspapers

Makkal Osai led with Perak Pakatan Rakyat committee finding on the bridge accident in Kampar which had killed three pupils.

Tamil Nesan reported in the apparent suicide of a 22-year-old man in the Ayer Molek prison. He was charged earlier last week with murdering his mother.

Malaysia Nanban also reported on the same suicide matter, adding that the man's family suspected foul play and wanted an immediate investigation.

Editorial

New Straits Times said the strength of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) lies in its ability to find consensus without coercion. Therefore there is no need to worry about the lack of binding rules and mechanisms within the grouping.

Berita Harian said Apec should show greater commitment in reviving the economy of member-states, or it could continue to face manipulation by the US.

Utusan Malaysia said Malaysia should be wary of the growing number African immigrants, as they have social problems. The daily called for action to control their numbers and on Malaysian women to think rationally to avoid getting into relationships with African men.

Malaysia Nanban welcomed the US' open praise for Malaysia.