Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the English, Bahasa, Tamil and Chinese paper?

Front Page

English newspapers

The Star and New Straits Times frontpaged a warning issued by deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak to politicians not to sow hatred and suspicion by bringing up contentious issues in order to gain support.

The New Straits Times also contained a report on Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's order to Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim to respond to claims that a judge has not written grounds for 35 judgments.

The Sun also reported on Abdullah's order to Ahmad Fairuz.

It also front-paged the proposal by Energy,Water and Communication Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik for the Selangor state government's investment arm Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) to be awarded a RM2 billion contract to build and operate the Langat 2 water treatment plant.

Bahasa newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian frontpaged with reports on the National Higher Education Strategic Plan. Berita Harian reported on the greater autonomy to be given in stages to all public universities in order to transform and revive higher education, particularly the ability to choose their own vice-chancellors.

Utusan Malaysia also reported on the special concessions to be given to the Apex University - which will serve as the benchmark for the other universities - that include the freedom to hire more foreign lecturers and open up to 20 percent of its admissions to foreign students.

It also front-paged a report on premier Abdullah's reactions to rumours of racial clashes in Johor. He warned of stern action against those who incited to racial unrest and sedition.

Utusan Malaysia also carried a story on the Health Ministry's admission that an element of negligence led to a baby wrongly administered an injection that led to her loss of the use of her left hand.

Berita Harian also carried the discovery of a 'huge' underground water reservoir in Batang Padang, Perak as well as the tie-up between US car company General Motors Corp with DRB-Hicom Bhd.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily reported Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's disappointment that the people are still having a negative impression on the government despite its best efforts to solve problems.

Oriental Daily News highlighted the conflict in the Malacca Chinese Assembly Hall where hundreds of the local leaders have urged the assembly president and secretary to step down.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban led with a story on PKR leader S Manikavasagam submitting some evidence - said to be a VCD - to the police pertaining to the sudden death of drama actress K Sujatha.

Tamil Nesan quoted the prime minister asking Malaysians not to heed rumours on a racial riot in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

Editorials

The New Straits Times said it was timely that - with the quantitative improvements in educational facilities and opportunities relative - energy was now spent on raising the quality bar of higher education in the country.

Utusan Malaysia urged all quarters, including school authorities and teachers, parents, and the public sector, to pitch in to ensure the success of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan.

On the same topic, Berita Harian called for the education and higher education ministries to go all out to implement the plan.

Malaysia Nanban urged the authorities as well as the express bus companies and their drivers to work together to avoid road accidents.

Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau commented on the higher education plan to improve the standard of tertiary education in the country.