Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers, What is today's agenda in the English, Bahasa, Chinese and Tamil dailies? Find out here.

Front page

English Newspapers

New Straits Times reported the postponement of the murder trial of Indian immigrant worker R Ganesh due to the failure of the prosecution to inform prison authorities to produce the accused in court. Before realising that he was still in Sungai Petani Prison, the prosecution and police had searched frantically for him.

The Star focused on World Environment Day 2007 observed yesterday. It featured what people in various countries did to mark the occasion. Kuala Lumpur's offerings were of a home-maker watering her plants and a boy collecting grass cuttings for compost.

Malay Newspapers

Berita Harian led with Cuepacs' rejection of the Public Services Department's explanation on the implementation of the performance-based examination system for the civil service and the department's record which showed a pass rate of 70 percent for government servants. Cuepacs president Omar Osman claimed that the pass rate was less than 50 percent based on the union's records, with most comprising professionals.

Utusan Malaysia reported that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is proposing compulsory registration of handphones in the light of rising cases of theft. If the proposal is implemented, owners must register the handphone serial number, type and model.

Chinese Newspapers

Oriental Daily reported that Air Asia has secretly imposed an RM8 increase in its management fees, from RM13 to RM21. The government had reduced airport tax at the Low-cost Carrier Terminal from RM51 to RM25 for international flights and RM9 to RM6 for domestic travel from June 1.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported that the Johor government has decided to allocate RM3.2mil to help boost Chinese education after meeting with MCA leaders on Monday.

Sin Chew Daily reported that a Southern College student was 'kidnapped' by someone impersonating the police. His friends have lodged a police report.

Tamil Newspapers

Makkal Osai frontpaged a report on the upcoming IPF annual general meeting. Members are worried if the meeting will be legal because many branches have lost their status. The daily also highlighted Information Minister Zainudin Maidin's statement that revealing construction problems at public buildings is an example of the government's transparency.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented on the reversion of terminology for the national language from 'Bahasa Melayu' to 'Bahasa Malaysia' and opined that there will be a greater move towards unity from this move.

Berita Harian said foreign powers should not control the Straits of Malacca to ensure the safety of ships. Instead, they should help by financing the security measures taken by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported the difference between human evolution and God's creation and related this to the forthcoming US presidential elections.

Sin Chew Daily reported the G8 Summit's focus on climate change in conjunction with the World Environment Day.

Oriental Daily reported that flaws in policy making have prevented unity among Malaysians.

Makkal Osai wants the government to fill the 100,000 vacancies in the public sector by recruiting people based on merit and qualification.

Others

Utusan Malaysia reported that Umno Sarawak's move to fly the party flag since June 1 has confused the people and politicians. Minister of the Chief Minister's Office Daud Abdul Rahman said nothing has been said officially to date about Umno's entry into Sarawak and that the displaying of flags and distribution of pamphlets are being done without permission.

Another report was that a Malaysian astronaut will observe Ramadhan at the International Space Station pending the launch on Oct 2, the 20th day of the Muslim fasting month.

New Straits Times reported that PAS spiritual advisor Nik Aziz Nik Mat said party members should avoid using SMS to campaign.