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 led with the portfolio swapping between Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy, Najib Razak. Abdullah would now hold the defence post and Najib would be Finance Minister I.

Star headlined various political developments on Sept 17, among others, the portfolio swap, Sabah Progressive Party quitting BN, MCA party elections, and Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin’s intention to contest for the top post in the Youth wing.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian also highlighted the portfolio swap.

Tamil newspapers

While Malaysia Nanban headlined the portfolio swap, both Tamil Nesan and Makkal Osai led with Abdullah’s statement that Opposition Leader Anwar is a national security threat to the nation. He also revealed that the government is mulling over actions that can be taken against the opposition leader.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily , Nanyang Siang Pau , Oriental Daily News and China Press all frontpaged PM and DPM Najib swapping portfolios.

Editorial

New Straits Times in its editorial highlighted that Zaid Ibrahim was the first minister to leave office on a matter of principle but cautioned that he would not be able to do much from the outside.

Utusan Malaysia urged all parties not to cease raising the 2010 power transition.

Berita Harian highlighted the call by Regent of Perak, Dr Nazrin Shah, who urged Malay Muslim leaders to set aside their political differences for the sake of the future and national harmony.

Malaysia Nanban highlighted the importance of Nazrin’s call for unity, and said it was timely.

Tamil Nesan

advised Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim not to use the ‘back door’ in his attempt to form the new government.

Makkal Osai highlighted Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai’s proposal for a race relations act as it would be a guideline for future leaders when they speak on racially-sensitive issues.

China Press commented that the portfolio swap between PM and Najib as a sign that the succession process has begun.

Oriental Daily News called on the government and oppositional parties to work together in order to secure the economical well-being of the country.

Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Daily both urged the government to take precautionary measures so as to shield the economy against the financial storm roiling the US.