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 front-paged a report on the upcoming Sarawak polls, speculating that this may take place in late March or early April.

Star headlined that syndicates are stealing millions of ringgit worth of merchandise from freight terminals in local airports and ports, with the latest case being the disappearance of 700,000 condoms worth RM4.5 million while being transported to Japan on Feb 11.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian reported the police clampdown on Human Rights Party members who had organised a nationwide convoy to protest against the novel ‘Interlok’. Police arrested over 50 of their members.

Utusan Malaysia

focused on Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s statement at a forum in the US, claiming that he can choose to stay at Washington or return to Malaysia to face his sodomy trial which reconvened today. The daily said this confirmed the allegation in a blog that Anwar is planning to flee from prosecution as the trial has been postponed 50 times.

Sinar Harian

led with an allegation by Gabungan Anti Penyelewengan Selangor that more than 10 Selangor Pakatan Rakyat representatives live beyond their means. The movement is collecting documents and photographic evidence of luxurious cars and bungalows.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily News front-paged a dispute between the heads of MCA and Gerakan over the Kepong parliamentary seat, after the Kepong Umno division urged Gerakan to give the seat to MCA.

China Press reported that a housewife in Malacca died after being assaulted by a snatch thief on the second day of Chinese New Year.

Sin Chew Daily

reported that Minister in the Prime Minister Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said Umno still need Chinese votes because Malay voters will not support Umno forever.

He also intends to suggest to the cabinet that former US Ambassador John Malott should be banned from entering Malaysia because of constant attacks against the government.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported that the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration offers a competitive arbitration price, 40 percent lower than in Singapore, to attract more companies to resolve disputes in Kuala Lumpur.

Editorial

New Straits Times discussed Egypt's post-Mubarak era - whether the military will keep its promise to return power to the people to elect a civilian government of their choice.

Berita Harian urged all quarters in Egypt to ensure a peaceful and orderly power transition to recover stability in theMiddle East.

Utusan Malaysia rebutted an allegation by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng that BN is using Valentine's Day to divide the people. The daily urged Muslims in PAS and PKR to advise Lim about the Islamic view ofValentine's Day.

China Press opined that the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit project should be planned according to population growth and future demands so that it does not become white elephant.

Sin Chew Daily pointed out that the revolution in Egypt is a lesson to all governments. If a government fails to answer the demands and expectation of its people, public discontent will lead to chaos.

Nanyang Siang Pau opined that Najib cannot just rely on his personal reputation and persona to lead BN into the next general election. Other quarters need to put in effort to consolidate the BN government.