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 the Wanita Umno leadership transition plan between Wanita head Rafidah Aziz and her deputy, Shahrizat Jalil, will take place as originally planned, in June 2009.

Star led with the reduction in food prices initiated by the Indian Muslim and Indian restaurant Operators and Owners Association, effective immediately, involving some 200 restaurants in the Klang Valley.

Malay newspapers

Both Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian led with the retention of Wanita Umno's transition plan.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban led with the possibility of senior MIC leader M Muthupalaniappan challenging MIC president S Samy Vellu for the latter's position.

Tamil Nesan front paged the Sri Lankan government's announcement that they would not cease their war against the Tamil Tigers.

Makkal Osai led with comments on the three percent reduction for members of the Employees Provident Fund by National Union for Plantation Workers' secretary-general, G Sankaran, who argued that the reduction would not be beneficial to workers.

Chinese newspapers

Oriental Daily headlined the call by the Chinese community for the government to not to interfere in the New Era College issue.

Nanyang Siang Pau led with the revision of TNB's current electricity tariffs.

Both Sin Chew Daily and China Press frontpaged a robbery in Georgetown yesterday in which a car dealer died after his car showroom was set on fire and eight luxury vehicles were driven off by the robbers.

Editorial

New Straits Times noted that the Umno deputy president's post would be contested for the first time in 21 years. Since there is a crowd to choose from, it reminded delegates to choose leaders who are conducive to party unity and stability.

Utusan Malaysia commented on the calls for non-Malays to be given a chance to become prime minister of Malaysia. It argued that any non-Malay candidate for PM must respect and defend the Federal Constitution. It also called for non-Malays to be assimilated, to create a true Malaysian race.

Berita Harian

opined that the number of candidates vying for top posts in Umno is evidence of flourishing democracy within the party.

Malaysia Nanban urged Indians to work harder to increase the community's share of equity.

Tamil Nesan urged the police to play a proactive role in reducing the crime rate in the country.

Makkal Osai called for relevant parties to give former convicts an opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

Sin Chew Daily call on the police to tackle the Mat Rempit issue in a wise way.

Nanyang Siang Pau commented that the reduction of EPF contributions will not help to boost the economy.