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 and Star led with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s announcement that he would keep his post up to next March 2009, following his decision not to defend the Umno presidency. He listed five missions that he wants to accomplish before leaving office.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian also headlined Abdullah’s exit.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban , Tamil Nesan and Makkal Osai led with Abdullah’s decision as well.

Chinese newspapers

All the Chinese dailies frontpaged Abdullah's announcement that he will not defend his president post.

Oriental Daily also highlighted the continuing fall of stock markets worldwide.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented on the case of Penan women being sexually exploited by loggers. While the police should have taken action in the first place, it expressed hope that the task force will investigate the root cause of the matter.

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian said Abdullah's decision to quit as showed his willingness to make sacrifices in the interests of Umno and the nation.

Malaysia Nanban questioned why ethnic-based killings in Sri Lanka are continuing.

Tamil Nesan described Abdullah’s decision to quit as a wise option.

Oriental Daily urged senior government officers to keep tab on the US financial crisis and ensure the stability of Malaysia's own markets.

Sin Chew Daily suggested the outgoing prime minister should complete his reform mission before he end his term.

Nanyang Siang Pau postulated that the rulling Umno party was about to enter the Najib era, with Abdullah's quit decision.