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

New Straits Times headlined that there was still hope for hostages as negotiations are underway with pirates to secure the release of two Malaysian ships and its crew members.

The Star frontpaged that 50 out of 78 Barisan MPs would begin their eight-day study trip to Taiwan today. They are expected to explore Taiwan's agricultural and industrial technology sectors.

Bahasa newspapers

Utusan Malaysia alerted the public of a massive flood following non-stop rain in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Berita Harian led with the investigations by the Anti-Corruption Agency based on the Auditor General's report.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban headlined that Selangor exco member Dr A Xavier Jayakumar was willing to meet MIC president S Samy Vellu in court over the SRJK (T) Ephingham's three acre land issue.

Makkal Osai led with reports on floods in Penang, Kedah and Perlis.

Tamil Nesan led with Suhakam commissioner S Sivasubramaniam's statement that the commission would take a statement from a Malaysian woman who was held for 11 months for failing to produce her identity card.

Chinese newspapers

Nanyang Siang Pau reported that PKR's Anwar Ibrahim has postponed the deadline of defection plan to Sept 17 due to the foreign study trip undertaken by BN backbenchers.

Oriental Daily reported the controversy that occurred following the racist remarks made by Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail was a setback for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Sin Chew Daily highlighted the different stands taken by the two BN's Chinese-based component parties on their status in the coalition - Gerakan not ruling out the possibility of quitting BN while MCA insisting that it will not leave the coalition.

China Press frontpaged the statement by MCA president Ong Ka Ting rejecting Abdullah's stand in Ahmad Ismail racist controversy. Abdullah has accepted the explanation of Ahmad.

Editorial

New Straits times urged all parties to be careful in exercising their freedom of speech and expression.

Utusan Malaysia reminded all parties that it was not the right time to sensationalise racial issues as Malaysians have yet to overcome the race factor.

Berita Harian called for a special mechanism to be implemented to solve public transportation related issues.

Malaysia Nanban highlighted the usage of SMSes to spread rumours.

Makkal Osai urged Socso not to create a hassle in processing applications of contributors who have met accidents.

Nanyang Siang Pau said most of the highway concessionaires were government-related companies, and thus the government should put pressure on them to reduce toll rates.

Sin Chew Daily said China has improved its facilities for the disable persons in the run up to the Paralympic games which is being held there. The daily also said Malaysia should learn from the Chinese lesson.

China Press hoped that the government will review the policy of teaching Mathematics and Science subjects in English.