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 Star led with an announcement by the Negeri Sembilan state government that popular beach destination Port Dickson will become a duty-free zone after a multi-million ringgit land reclamation project is completed.

New Straits Times front-paged Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s meeting with all BN elected representatives at PWTC today.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian led with a report that the government will implement compulsory wearing of rear seat-belts for all motorists beginning June.

Utusan Malaysia front-paged Abdullah’s meeting with all BN elected representatives at a major gathering today.

The newspaper also headlined the police warning the public not to attend the ‘illegal Black 14' gathering in Kampung Baru tonight, organised by PKR to celebrate the expiration of Anwar Ibrahim’s political ban.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily highlighted on the expiry of the political ban on PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow, stating that this marks a new watershed event for Malaysian politics.

Both Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Daily reported Umno vice president Muhyiddin Yassin's warning that the party will fade away if no immediate changes were made to the leadership.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan and Makkal Osai reported on the suicide involving four siblings in Johor following the death of their aged mother due to heart attack.

Tamil Nesan also had MIC president S Samy Vellu telling the prime minister’s detractors not to force the latter to quit.

Editorials

New Straits Times said the practice of giving lavish gifts from civil servants and private sectors to guest-of-honours attending events must be stopped as they are a waste of money and recources.

Responding to SMK Wakaf Tapai’s roof collapse incident on Saturday, Berita Harian called on the government and the new Works Minister to act strictly on government-appointed contractors to ensure they do not compromise on safety and professionalism.

Utusan Malaysia said Malay leaders must be united for the sake of Malay dignity and Malay supremacy.

Sin Chew Daily said China and Taiwan should grab the historical opportunity to reopen one-state negotiation. Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou, who was seen as pragmatic in dealing the issue, had won the election recently.

Nanyang Siang Pau said judiciary, education, inflation and crime were the main issues that resulted in BN losses in the March 8 general election.