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

Star focused on claims by stage and school bus operators that the diesel subsidy is inadequate to cover operational costs. However, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Sharir Abdul Samad disagreed with the view. The ministry will meet with bus operators today.

New Straits Times warned of a world in recession with an end to cheap sources of energy and pointing out the need for priority on energy security.

The higher education ministry, meanwhile will return RM800 million of its allocation under the 9th Malaysia Plan, to be channelled to more pressing needs.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian also led with the higher education ministry’s return of part of its allocation to the Economic Planning Unit.

Utusan Malaysia said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board is conducting surveillance operations over bus operators, and has revoked six permits in Johor alone. It warned bus operators that their licence will be revoked if they increase fares illegally.

Also in the news was Pontian parliamentarian Ahmad Maslan’s request to the government to take control of the lighthouse operated by the Singapore government on Pulau Pisang, to avoid a debacle similar to the recent loss of Pulau Batu Puteh.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press reported Shahrir’s assurance that petrol prices will not be increased again up to April next year.

Sin Chew Daily said government subsidies for petrol had increased by RM5 billion after the international oil price hit US$138 per barrel last Friday.

Oriental Daily News reported the dissatisfaction of many MCA branches against the central leadership, in relation to party elections this month.

Tamil newspapers

Makkal Osai reported on a land dispute affecting a Hindu temple in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Malaysia Nanban led with MIC president S Samy Vellu lambasting party leaders who are lazy and all those who have declared the party dead.

Tamil Nesan reported Samy Vellu’s concern over the dwindling numbers of Indians in Malaysia. He said that the community, which now accounts for 7.8 percent of the population, will see its numbers drop to three percent in 20 years.

Editorial

New Straits Time s comments on the impact of Cyclone Nargis in Burma and the ruling junta’s criticism of those who depend on tourism as their source of income.

Berita Harian defends the fuel price hike, stating that the government can no longer subsidise the rising price of oil. It notes, however, that the government is taking a political risk because the people are ‘addicted’ to fuel subsidies.

Utusan Malaysia points to the lack of academic publications, given the number of lecturers in Malaysia. It suggests that theses be published.

Sin Chew Daily opines that Malaysia should learn from the US presidential campaign to end racial discrimination.

In view of the petrol hike, Nanyang Siang Pau wants the government to expand the public transportation network.

China Press urges the government to look into complaints by foreign investors to prevent them from leaving the country.

Malaysia Namban says that the government should take immediate measures to ease the people's burden as a result of the recent oil price hike.