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 and The Sun led with Perak regent Raja Nazrin Shah's reminder to Malaysians to respect the law and enforcement agencies rather than importing an unhealthy culture of violence.

The Sun front-paged Sabah-born Penny Wong, who was elected as the new Australian minister for climate change and water.

The Star reported MIC's plan to set up a hotline to address problems of the Indian community. It also front-paged a photo of Filipino soldiers waiting to storm a Manila hotel where rebels demanding the ouster of President Gloria Arroyo were hiding.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia also front-paged Raja Nazrin Shah's call for Malaysians to respect the law and enforcement institutions. It also led with the invention of a new 5-function plough and the divorce of the couple, famous for the largest dowry given - RM444,444.444.

Berita Harian led with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's instruction for MIC to establish a special committee to study the grievances of the Indian community and present these findings to the cabinet. It also reported Mara's plans to export the services and expertise of Malay professionals.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau reported Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan's statement that the police rejected Hindu Rights Action Force's (Hindraf) permit to hold a gathering to prevent other races from following in their footsteps to show their anger on the streets.

Sin Chew Daily front-paged Abdullah's instruction to MIC to set up a special committee to analyse the problems faced by the Indian community.

Oriental Daily headlined a car explosion at a petrol station after pumping NGV gas into the cylinder.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan headlined MIC president S Samy Vellu's pledge to set up a special committee to look into the plight of Indians in the country.

Makkal Osai reported that former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam condemning the circulation of a SMS accusing him of instigating the Indians to protest.

Editorial

New Straits Times praised Sime Darby, among other government-linked companies, citing good management and the willingness to transcend boundaries as key factors of their success.

The Sun commented on the impact of toll rate increases, urging for adequate alternative roads and improved public transport system.

Berita Harian lauded the cabinet's decision to maintain the toll rates of certain highways. It also called on toll concessionaires to improve services along with rate increases.

Tamil Nesan was of the view that the works minister has done the right thing by announcing that there will not be any hikes in cerrtain toll charges. The daily felt that the announcement has brought relief to the motorists.

Nanyang Siang Pau said the government decided to maintain the toll rates for four highways in order to prevent the inflation rate from increasing further.

Sin Chew Daily said highway companies should improve their services when they increase the toll rates.