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

The Sun led with MIC president S Samy Vellu saying that the decision for him to leave the party should be made by the Indian community, and not outsiders.

Star led with state leaders heading to Putrajaya to meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to finalise the candidates for the elections.

News Straits Times front-paged the ‘flag wars’ among political parties in Terengganu. Local police have received 33 reports regarding the removal of party flags and intimidation of election workers.

Malay newspapers

Both Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian led with state leaders meeting with Abdullah regarding the election candidates.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily led with the report that former health minister Dr Chua Soi Lek’s son Chi Yong will contest in the former’s constituency, Labis.

Nanyang Siang Pau highlighted that DAP’s strategy for the 12 th general election has run into problems because of its stalwart Fong Po Kuan’s decision not to contest for the Batu Gajah parliamentary seat.

Sin Chew Daily also led with Fong Po Kuan, regarding her determination not to contest in the polls.

The Penang-based Kwong Wah Yit Poh led with the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s withdrawal from the Penang Chinese Association due to the latter openly expressing support for Dr Teng Hock Nam to be the next Penang chief minister.

Tamil newspapers

All the Tamil dailies - Malaysia Nanban , Makkal Osai and Tamil Nesan - led with MIC president S Samy Vellu’s assurance that he would be contesting for the last time in the coming general election.

Editorials

The Sun said action must be taken against employers who mistreat their foreign workers .

New Straits Times , in response to PAS leader Nik Abdul Aziz’s ‘orang utan’ remarks against Umno, said there is still time before polling day for leaders from both sides to exercise good judgement.

Utusan Malaysia said if PAS is really honest in supporting illegal assemblies, then its president Abdul Hadi Awang should include freedom of assembly in his election campaign so that people can evaluate PAS.

Berita Harian said PAS should stop hurling insults against Umno as this tactic will no longer work with voters.

Nanyang Siang Pau opined that Fong Po Kuan’s withdrawal proved that DAP cannot hold on to its talented members and her decision is a loss to Parliament.