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 led with a report of an SMS scam by international syndicate that fooled a number of Malaysians into parting with RM35 million since January this year.

The New Straits Times reported on the demolition of the 70-year old leprosarium in Sungai Buloh and the impending eviction of 45 lepers in the settlement's east section.

The Sun frontpaged with a report on the move by the Anti-Corruption Agency to investigate the disappearance of millions of ringgit which had been collected in the name of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)'s sports club.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian reported on the move by the NUTP (National Union of the Teaching Profession) to sue three parents whom it alleged had made false claims of abuse by teachers.

It also reported on the refusal of the Road Transport Department (RTD) to be swayed by threats of express bus operators to strike in reaction to RTD's 'Ops Bersih II' enforcement operation.

Utusan Malaysia reported on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's five-step plan for the Organisation of Islamic Conference to realise the Mekkah Declaration and the economic development of Muslim countries.

It also led with a report on the Public Services Department's director-general Ismail Adam, who said there is no need to introduce the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) or any other new mechanisms to address the issue of problematic civil servants.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily reported that the Chinese primary school committees in Kuala Lumpur and Penang had no right to handle tenders for canteens. The United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) revealed that the two states' education departments made the announcements recently.

Nanyang Siang Pau headlined the arrest of 40 people who had been swindling the public by sending fake prize-winning short messages.

Oriental Daily reported that Malays and Indians were the biggest borrowers from loan sharks.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan led Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak saying that piracy in the Straits of Malacca was under control.

Editorial

New Straits Times wrote of the 'harrowing misadventure' of the 21 South Koreans recently released from captivity in Afghanistan, two of whom have not returned alive. Were they aid workers? 'Nobody buys that', said the New Straits Times .

Berita Harian raised the issue of overlapping powers by various authorities over matters of road transportation. It also said the issue of journeys-based remuneration - which led many bus drivers' to speed - has yet to be addressed.

Utusan Malaysia lauded the end to the proposal to introduce the VSS in the public sector, as it would not address the issue of problematic civil servants.

Nanyang Siang Pau criticised the rent-seeking activities arising from the abuse of the New Economic Policy.

Sin Chew Daily said police should take serious action against Mat Rempits.