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

The New Straits Times, Star and The Sun headlined former chief justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim’s statement to the royal commission that the contents of the video was slanderous.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s announcement that the country’s government efficiency was sixth best in the world.

Utusan also reported that Baling parliamentarian Dr Mashitah Ibrahim defending her record as the people’s representative and the appointment of a new Thailand PM.

Berita Harian headlined Ahmad Fairuz’s denial at the royal commission and a picture of ex-Indonesian president Suharto’s funeral procession.

It also reported that the national mission programs under the Ninth Malaysian Plan have shown positive results.

Chinese Newspapers

All the chinese newspaper headlined with the royal commission’s inquiry.

Oriental Daily highlighted former Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim’s denial on the content of Lingam tape.

Both Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau led with royal commission which allowed Lingam’s brother Thirunama Karasu to testify.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan led with MIC president S Samy Vellu's announcement that he will surely contest for the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency once again.

Makkal Osai also had the same story in its front page. The daily also questioned as to why the Batu Caves temple committee had failed to publicly announce the total amount of donation received during the Thaipusam celebrations.

Malaysia Nanban reported on the habeas corpus application by the five Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA, saying that they would know the outcome of their application on Feb 26.

Editorial

The New Straits Times opined that parents cannot expect the police to do the impossible to take care of their children.

The Sun suggested several ways to curb inflation - mainly through policy and enforcement means.

Sin Chew Daily commented on the death of former Indonesian President Suharto.

Nanyang Siang Pau said Chinese community’s efforts in defending Chinese education was not easy.

Oriental Daily criticised the government for easing the ban of fireworks during Chinese New Year.

Makkal Osai disputed Samy Vellu’s remark yesterday that it was against Hinduism to light a candle in a temple.

Tamil Nesan commented on the death of former Indonesian president Suharto.