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 , the Star and The Sun led with Dr Chua Soi Lek blaming his downfall on his commitment as health minister, saying that his hard work may have been misconstrued as over-ambition or political agenda.

The Star also front-paged a photo of a police forensics team arriving at Katerina Hotel in Batu Pahat to investigate the room where the sex DVD featuring Dr Chua was supposedly recorded.

New Straits Times also led with Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s warning to all BN leaders and members to behave appropriately to avoid scandals from arising near the general election. He also commented that this year may be the last year of PAS rule in Kelantan and that the federal government wants to see the state develop.

New Straits Times briefly headlined Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo’s announcement that the state government will contribute RM2,000 towards funeral expenses of Selangor residents who die after 60 and had lived in the state for at least 15 years.

The Star and The Sun also reported that the royal commission of inquiry into the Lingam tape will call 16 witnesses when it starts its hearings on Jan 14. The royal commission declined to reveal who these witnesses will be.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian also led with Dr Chua attributing his downfall to his work commitment.

Utusan Malaysia also headlined the deputy prime minister’s statement that additional school charges will be reduced to ease the financial burden on parents.

It also reported that the royal commission of inquiry’s 16 witnesses includes politicians. Royal commission chairperson Haidar Mohamed Noor said that not everyone mentioned in the video clip will be called.

Berita Harian front-paged the deputy premier’s reminder to all BN component party leaders to always display positive values and behave appropriately to avoid scandals from surfacing.

It also led with a photo of four students, who are also siblings, lining up to begin classes in SJK(C) Ladang Bukit Keledek in Negeri Sembilan yesterday. The Chinese school - staffed by two teachers and a headmaster - has no Chinese students.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau, Sin Chew Daily and Oriental Daily similarly headlined Chua’s last statement before he left the health ministry. He blamed his downfall on his commitment to his post as health minister and MCA vice-president which caused others to think that he was ambitious and had political agenda.

All three newspapers also reported that the prime minister was likely to announce today the appointment of MCA president Ong Ka Ting as acting health minister.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan reported that an increase in Year One students in Tamil schools this year. The daily said a total of 19,498 students enrolled for this academic year compared to 18,350 last year.

Makkal Osai also reported on the increase in students in Tamil schools for this year. The daily also reported on a death threat received via an SMS by the PPP FT Youth chief A Chandrakumanan.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented favourably on Dr Chua Soi Lek’s integrity to admit the affair. It also said that this scandal should serve as a lesson for all BN politicians that there is no more room left for excuses.

The Sun lauded the royal commission of inquiry into the Lingam tape as an unparalleled opportunity to restore the integrity and independence of the judiciary. It urged the royal commission to fearlessly analyse the evidence and draw the necessary conclusions about the present state of the judiciary.

The Sun also commented on MIC’s new task to become more relevant to the Indian community. It said that the issues faced by many Indians reflects the failure of the ruling coalition rather than MIC alone.

Berita Harian lauded the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board’s (LPKP) move to probe the management of eight public transport companies whose vehicles were involved in fatal accidents during the November and December period. It urged that follow-up action be taken, including frequent random checks, a study of training and hiring practices and the condition of vehicles.

Tamil Nesan commended on the increase in Year One enrollments in Tamils schools nationwide. It hoped that the community would continue to support Tamil schools.

Nanyang Siang Pau urged MIC to work together with the Indian upper middle class to initiate more effective development policies to uplift the ability of Indian community in various aspects.