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 reported the prime minister’s promise of equal educational opportunities for all. It also front-paged a photo of a couple taking a boat to their wedding ceremony in the flooded region of Johor.

The Star and The Sun led with the prime minister’s call to all Malaysians to share the task of ensuring peace and harmony for continued economic development.

The Star also led with a photo of Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez celebrating a goal with Wayne Rooney in the match against Liverpool yesterday at the English Premier League.

The Sun also reported that the Selangor government has deemed that the Street, Drainage and Building, the National Land Code and related laws can be overlooked in the “interests of nation-building”.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with the prime minister’s call to continue the tradition of voting Barisan Nasional to maintain good racial relations and peace. It also led with reports of a worse second wave of floods between Friday and Sunday and news of a boat carrying Gual Periok state assemblyman and 11 others being swept away by floods for five hours.

Berita Harian reported preparations in Pahang for the predicted second wave of floods on Friday. It also front-paged the prime minister’s suggestion that schools with a 100 percent pass rate for the primary school examination (UPSR) be given incentives.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily News reported that a coalition of 40 Indian groups is preparing to submit a five-point memorandum to the prime minister.

Nanyang Siang Pau front-paged Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein’s promise that Chinese vernacular schools will not be closed.

Sin Chew Daily led with the prime minister’s urge to people not to spread hatred and create racial sentiments.

Tamil newspapers

All three dailies - Malaysia Nanban, Tamil Nesan and Makkal Osai reported on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's promise of equal educational opportunities for all.

The dailies also reported on the gathering of Hindraf supporters at the Kamunting detention camp yesterday to offer support and prayers for the five detained Hindraf leaders.

Editorial

New Straits Times urged the “silent majority” to dedicate themselves to share national goals of unity and not let the nation be torn apart by the fanatical few.

The Sun commented optimistically on the United Nation’s climate change talks in Bali.

Utusan Malaysia called on the police to take stern action against those who spread rumours via SMS. Rumours about a Malay rally in Kampung Baru on Sunday were circulated via text messages last week.

Berita Harian lauded the Malaysian contingent’s success in winning 68 gold medals, clinching second place behind Thailand with 183 gold medals. It also suggested that research be carried out to identify the problems of sports that were less successful including silat, rhythmic gymnastics, shooting and badminton.

Sin Chew Daily called for the country’s affirmative action policy to be implemented with fairness.

Nanyang Siang Pau commented on the problems faced by the Bali Roadmap in addressing the serious global challenges of climate change.

Tamil Nesan commented on the good performance by Malaysia athletes at the recently concluded SEA Games in Korat, Thailand.