Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today’s agenda for the newspapers?
Front Page
Chinese newspapers
Sin Chew Daily reported that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz said MPs can request to access any document or contract related to public interest including the power purchase agreements (PPAs) between Tenaga Nasional Berhad and independent power producers (IPPs), but documents that are under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) need to be declassified beforehand.
He also said that declassification of the documents requires the cabinet’s approval, but the cabinet has not given the green light. Therefore MPs will not be able to access the documents in the next Parliament sitting commencing next Monday.
Sin Chew Daily also front-paged the new rule by the Housing and Local Government Ministry that all new housing areas must comply with the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines to reduce street crime.
Oriental Daily News led with the latest developments in the di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) contamination. It had spread to direct sales products and forced the Health Ministry to instruct Cosway (M) Sdn Bhd to withdraw two imported drinks in the market.
Nanyang Siang Pau highlighted the announcement by Petronas which issued a RM30 billion dividend this year, and will start to give 30 percent of its dividend to the government starting from the 2013 financial year.
Malay newspapers
Berita Harian highlighted that the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will monitor all government mega projects costing above RM500 million to ensure maximum transparency and integrity.
Utusan Malaysia led with the violent clash between 200 Vietnamese and Bangladeshi workers at a factory in Nilai, which resulted in 23 people being injured.
Sinar Harian front-paged the statement by newly-elected PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu which questioned Umno’s invitation to have cooperation with PAS at this juncture.
English newspapers
New Straits Times highlighted the statement by Attorney-General’s Chambers civil division, execution and enforcement unit head Mohammad Al-Saifi Hashim that scholarship recipients who owe the Public Services Department (PSD) more than RM30,000 as principal sum payable for breaching their contracts will be issued bankruptcy notices.
The Star
led with the news that the government is ramping up its fight against street crime with several measures, including installing more lighting, traffic mirrors and CCTV cameras in neighbourhoods.
