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 front-paged that easier and cheaper bank loans would be made available following Bank Negara’s announcement to cut key benchmark rate. The new rates would be available from Monday onwards.

The Star headlined that the Malay rulers would have the final say in deciding whether the states would accept or reject the fatwa banning yoga.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia focused on parliamentarians expressing their disappointment over the government’s failure in addressing the influx of foreign labour.

Berita Harian led with the report that Perak state is studying the fatwa. State Jakim director general, Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz stated the complaints on the fatwa were not differences in opinions, rather it was down to procedural differences in implementing the fatwa at state-level.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban and Tamil Nesan looked at the release of 10 persons initially detained for assembling illegally on Oct 23 - when they sent a memo to the prime minister asking for the release of Hindraf leaders in Kamunting.

Makkal Osai headlined Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi warning civil servants severe action if they are found abusing power.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily and China Press led with PAS’ effort to ban alcohol sale in Selangor through local government.

Oriental Daily News headlined effort by MCA treasurer Tee Hock Seng to reconcile the dispute between president Ong Tee Keat and deputy president Chua Soi Lek.

Nanyang Siang Pau headlined the indefinite closing down of Bangkok International Airport due to demonstrators.

Editorial

China Press urged PAS to consider the feeling of other races before pushing to ban alcohol sales in Selangor.

Sin Chew Daily commented that government should find other ways to tackle the economic crisis besides lowering interest rates.

Makkal Osai highlighted the Selangor government’s aid to Tamil schools as a historic occasion.

Malaysia Nanban pondered on who will explain the on-going inflation when petrol price is rapidly depreciating.

New Straits Times highlighted G-20 and APEC members pledging large funds to counter the present global economic crisis.

Utusan Malaysia urged authorities to take action against groups that disturb racial harmony.

Berita Harian praised the United Nations Security Council for discussing Malaysia’s proposal for the formation of a naval peacekeeping force - to eliminate piracy threats in the Gulf of Aden.

Nanyang Siang Pau urged government to help oil palm industry to pull through the harshness of the present drastic price drops.