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 New Straits Times reported that the Finance Ministry will begin investigation into the inflated prices for procurement of products and mismanagement of funds.

The Star wrote that commercial vehicle drivers will be tested for drugs under a medical check-up scheme when they renew or apply for new licences.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian reported that the government has been urged to abolish diesel subsidies. Also included in the front page was news on a leader of an all-woman deviationist cult who has renounced her teachings and the drug-testing requirement for commercial vehicle drivers.

Utusan Malaysia quoted International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz demanding stern action to be taken against government officials for approving tenders at an exorbitant cost.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau reported the powerful Public Account Committee (PAC) will ask ministries and departments to explain the mismanagement of public funds as revealed by Auditor-General's report.

Sin Chew Daily frontpaged the explanations given by ministries and departments regarding the misuse of public funds.

Oriental Daily News led with Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop's statement that Malaysia will consider implementing extra policies if the United States economy continue to succumb.

Nanyang Siang Pau also reported that Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy will call a press conference tomorrow to clarify the speculation that he had tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban 's lead story was on Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Muhyiddin Yassin saying that the country was free from bird flu.

It also said that the police had investigated two prominent persons in relation to the sudden death of drama actress K Sujatha.

Tamil Nesan led with a Malaysian venture in Kerala, India, to build mega infrastructure projects. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed yesterday, witnessed by Works Minister S Samy Vellu.

It also quoted Muhyiddin in saying that Malaysia had no bird flu.

Editorial

The New Straits Times viewed that a more co-ordinated regional approach in narrowing differences in diesel price would help curb parties from smuggling the subsidised commodity.

Berita Harian opined that the cabinet has high hopes for the Football Association Malaysia after the new line up of board members were announced recently.

Malaysia Nanban said all ministers must explain on the excessive expenses incurred by their respective ministries and agencies under them as highlighted in the latest Auditor-General's report.

Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau criticised the mismanagement of public funds by government agencies, as revealed by the Auditor-General's report.