Malaysiakini compares key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the English, Bahasa, Tamil and Chinese papers?

Front Page

English newspapers

News Straits Times and Star led with the testimony of V Thirunama Karasu before the royal commission of inquiry - he confirmed that the person in the video clip is his brother VK Lingam. He also said Lingam had given expensive gifts to former chief justice Eusoff Chin.

The Sun reported that RM3.7 billion of the RM12.5 billion contracts for the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double-tracking rail project by the Gamuda-MMC consortium will be awarded to bumiputera contractors and suppliers.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian front-paged a report quoting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stating that he would call for a general election soon .

Utusan Malaysia highlighted Abdullah’s optimism that winds of political change are blowing through opposition-led Kelantan. He said people in the state want Barisan Nasional (BN) to take over.

Chinese newspapers

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily , the premier stressed that Umno wants to see a strong MCA and Gerakan as BN partners. He denied the Chinese-based parties have taken a ‘yes-man’ attitude in cabinet meetings and touched on other issues like the future of Chinese schools, anti-corruption pledges and criticism of him by predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Oriental Daily News led with a report that Chinese associations are scheduled to meet the premier this evening in Putrajaya, to submit a memorandum and discuss issues such as education, the economy and the situation of pig farmers.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported that Abdullah has received ‘inspiration‘ to call a general election, but that the date has not been set.

Tamil newspapers

Both Makkal Osai and Tamil Nesan quoted Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak predicting the BN winning handsomely in the coming general election.

Editorial

Referring to the Indian Malaysian community’s grievances, The Sun called on politicians to keep the promises they make before an election, and pointed out the need for a non-partisan monitoring system to ensure social justice.

News Straits Times said bilateral and regional co-operation and co-ordination are needed to stop human trafficking in the Asean region.

Berita Harian said the BN move to cross-check the background of election candidates with the Anti-Corruption Agency is justified, as it would help prevent character assassination by opposition parties.

Utusan Malaysia was of the view that Indian Malaysians should make full use of the government’s recently announced policies, as these are designed to ensure that the community is not left behind.

Nanyang Siang Pau urged road-users to drive safely on their travels as they join in the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Oriental Daily News commented that moves should be made to prevent the property market from overheating, alongside attempts to attract foreign investors.

Sin Chew Daily commended all parties who have offered help to China in managing the impact of unexpected heavy snowfall, which has caused chaos and suffering in parts of the country.

Tamil Nesan said that Najib’s promises that the government would look into the Indian community’s grouses had raised hopes in the community.