Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the newspapers?

Front Page

English newspapers

New Straits Times headlined a statement by deputy inspector-general of police Ismail Omar that key players who led the anti-ISA rally last Saturday have been identified.

Star reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating a high ranking civil servant. among others. They are believed to be part of a syndicate led by a Terengganu state assembly person, who has been detained by the MACC.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with Information, Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim claiming that young participants of the anti-ISA rally were paid to protest. He said this was to divert people’s attention from a court case involving PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Berita Harian reported that the business community in the vicinity of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is seeking RM500,000 in compensation over losses due to the anti-ISA rally. They want the protest organiser, the Abolish ISA Movement, to pay up.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan led with a report that Kampung Buah Pala has not demolished as expected because of strong protests from residents and MIC Youth.

Malaysia Nanban said Kampung Buah Pala residents are determined not to move out of the area. They also want the Penang chief minister to keep up his word on this issue.

Makkal Osai led with former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam calling for an end to a move that could lead to the closure of Indian Studies Department in Universiti Malaya.

Editorial

New Straits Times highlighted the ‘people’s power’ rallies that had helped Corazon Aquino to become Philippine president in 1986, with US support. However, it reminded Malaysians that debating an issue would be better than demonstrating on the streets.

Commenting on the large number of Malay demonstrators last Saturday, Utusan Malaysia wondered why the Malays have not realised that their race is being “looked down upon” since the anti-ISA campaign is claimed to be a Hindraf’s campaign.

Berita Harian commented that the government’s willingness to allow public assemblies at a specific place to voice concerns over issues is proof of its openness.

Tamil Nesan said street demonstrations are not an intelligent move.

Malaysia Nanban called for the name of Indian Studies Department to be maintained, and not changed to ‘South Asian Studies Department’.

Makkal Osai commented on the demonstration and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s suggestion that mass assemblies should be held at a particular spot.