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

Front page

English newspapers

New Straits Times front-paged a report that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz has guaranteed that the witnesses in the probe of Lingam tape would be given full government protection, including change of identity if needed.

The Star led with a report that Tee Hui Yee, who underwent two heart transplants last week, has inspired many Malaysians to pledge their organs in the past week.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian headlined the death of an 18-month old girl in a fire at a shop-lot in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The daily also reported that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has assured a fair investigation into Lingam tape.

Utusan Malaysia reported that Abdullah has shot down Gerakan Youth chief Mah Siew Kong's suggestion for all 14 parties in the Barisan Nasional coalition to merge as one single party.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau reported on an accident near Sepang which led to five being killed yesterday.

Oriental Daily News interviewed the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research Executive director, Emeritus Professor Dr Mohamed Ariff, where he criticized the foreign labour policy.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban highlighted Abdullah's explanation that the government was not biased towards any race in eradicating poverty in the country.

Makkal Osai reported that an Indian based NGO has criticized the MIC for condemning PPP president M Kayveas' suggestion that Tamil be made a compulsory subject in all national schools.

Tamil Nesan reported that the formation of Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) by former PKR Kepong division chief S Nallakaruppan reflected on the PKR's internal affairs.

Editorial

New Straits Times felt that Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf's landslide victory in last weekend's presidential election was not significant as the opposition has boycotted the election.

Utusan Malaysia urged politicians and government agencies to be truthful to the prime minister in reporting racial and religious issues in the country.

Sin Chew Daily urged drivers to be more cautious during festive season.

Nanyang Siang Pau said that the Gerakan Youth's call for all 14 component parties in the Barisan Nasional to merge into one was an old proposal that didn't gain much support.

Malaysia Nanban called for MIC to play its part to get all partially-aided Tamil schools to become fully aided government schools in the future.

Makkal Osai wanted the festive season to be filled with joy and not sorrow caused by road accidents.