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 the state executive councillor's announcement that he was not interested nor was he "qualified" to succeed Nik Aziz Nik Mat as MB of Kelantan.

The Star led with news of a mini-market trader who was brought to court for the second time on four charges of running his business without license, and was again given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian reported that Husam Musa does not want the Kelantan MB post, instead naming Deputy MB Ahmad Yakob as most qualified to succeed Nik Aziz.

Utusan headlined that the Selangor government has banned its civil servants and students of state government-owned institutions from attending Biro Tata Negara (BTN), indicating some anxiety over the state government's declining influence.

Utusan also front-paged that Deputy Education Minister, Puad Zarkashi, said that former CPM Secretary General, Chin Peng, is unworthy of being idolized and should be treated like a Nazi war criminal.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban reported on the Hindraf celebrations held in Klang yesterday to commemorate the second year anniversary of the movement's mass rally on Nov 25, 20007. The dinner was organised by T Vasanthakumar and V Ganabatirao, who had fallen out with the other Hindraf leaders P Waythamoorthy and P Uthayakumar.

Malaysian Nanban and Makkal Osai also reported on the use of profanity by a Barisan Nasional elected representative at the Negri Sembilan state assembly sitting on Tuesday.

Editorial

New Straits Times said that the implementation of the Goods and Service Tax is bound to be unpopular but is arguably the best way for the government to raise money without burdening the poor.

Berita Harian said that government-linked corporations (GLC) should direct some funds into developing pre-schools, especially in rural areas.

Utusan Malaysia said that any amendment made to the Marriages and Divorces Act 1976 and the Islamic Law Administration Act 1993 must be reviewed thoroughly to ensure that it is fair to all.

Tamil Nesan commented on the government's decision to incorporate cottage industry skills in drug rehabilitation centres.

Makkal Osai noted that many foreigners who had come into the country on study visas were breaching the terms of the entry permits.