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 led with the deputy prime minister’s pledge of cash aid and repairs for flood victims. He said that a decision will be made when the actual number of flood victims and the extent of loss is known.

The Star reported the prime minister’s call to Malaysians to practice cooperation and mutual agreement. He also urged Muslims to always help the less fortunate and not just on Hari Raya Haji. The Star also front-paged a photo of children receiving bags of slaughtered meat at the Al Azim mosque in Malacca yesterday.

The Sun led with the Pest Control Association of Malaysia’s lawsuit to nullify the condition set by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council that all exterminators operating in its municipality must register with its panel. It also front-paged a photo of Muslim pilgrims circling the Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with the meteorological department’s red alert to the northern regions of Johor with forecasts of strong winds up to 60kms per hour. It carried a photo of people attending Aidiladha prayers in a flooded mosque in Alor Star yesterday.

Utusan Malaysia also reported the prime minister’s call to maintain cooperation for the country’s peace and prosperity. It also led with news of Umi Azlim, the Malaysian on death row in China for trafficking heroin. Her mother believes that she was a victim of an Internet advertisements promising attractive payments to deliver goods.

Berita Harian front-paged the deputy prime minister’s announcement of aid to flood victims. The financial assistance will be calculated based on the guidelines used after Johor floods last year. It also reported a modest Hari Raya Haji celebration for those in flood affected regions.

Berita Harian also reported that the 26,000 Malaysian pilgrims performing the haj have arrived in Mina after being caught in transportation and traffic problems.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau led with MCA president Ong Ka Ting’s call to the government to adopt a more liberal policy in order to attract more investors from China.

Sin Chew Daily and Oriental Daily reported preparations of Johor and east coast residents for the second wave of floods.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan reported MIC president S Samy Vellu as saying that a new Tamil school would be build in Paya Besar, Kedah.

Malaysia Nanban and Makkal Osai highlighted the Hindraf organised “head-shaving ceremony” in Batu Caves yesterday to demand the release of the group’s leaders detained under the ISA.

Malaysia Nanban also reported calls made by several PPP leaders for their president M Kayveas to be made a full minister. He is presently a deputy minister in the prime minister’s department.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented on South Korea’s new president Lee Myung-bak who is hoped to bring economic reform to the nation.

The Sun expressed concern over the environmental implications of development as evident in the increasing floods and landslides. It urged the government to take a holistic approach to development by balancing economic interests with environmental concerns and enforcing stricter laws.

Berita Harian slammed the use of pirated software, particularly by companies and multinationals. It suggested that the government implement special licenses for hardware to duplicate software in order to combat piracy.

Nanyang Siang Pau commented on the Personal Data Protection Act, a law to safeguard personal privacy in cyberspace.

Sin Chew Daily commented on the political future of the newly-elected South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.

Tamil Nesan commented on the soon to be introduced parole system.

Malaysian Nanban urged the government to introduces certain measures to help elevate the Indian community.