Front page

English newspapers

New Straits Times led off with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's assurance that businesses do not have to pay upfront, or what is often referred to as under table money, in order to secure government tenders, contracts or concessions.

Star front-paged children being exploited to mine gold illegally near Gunang Tabai in Kuching, Sarawak. The exclusive report exposed the fact that the children were being paid RM20 for a 20kg gunny sack full of the precious metal and work up to 4am for their "pocket money".

Sun focused on Najib's statement denying the recent charge by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission against Dr Mohd Khir Toyo for alleged land fraud, was just play acting but serious.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia also highlighted the premier's comment warning severe action against those involved in corruption and his assurance to the business community that contracts will be awarded based on their strengths, and not through paying upfront.

Berita Harian and Sinar Harian also led off with Najib's insistence that that the charge against Mohd Khir was not a stage show but to show that the government is serious in combatting corruption.

Chinese newspapers

China Press reported a Chinese male who committed suicide by leaping off a building this morning after a breakup, leaving his last words on Facebook.

Oriental Daily News reported that support for Pakatan Rakyat has fallen dramatically due to a series of negative press reports.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported that all chambers of commerce made an anti-corruption pledge yesterday in line with World Anti-Corruption Day.

Sin Chew Daily also front-paged the signing on anti-corruption affidavit by five national chambers of commerce.

Editorial

New Straits Times suggested that the private sector emulate the civil service in increasing the current 60 days of mandatory maternity leave to 90 days in order to boost the number of women employed in rural areas.

Berita Harian urged the government to enhance women empowerment programmes in rural areas so they can further expand their capabilities and realise the government's aim to produce 4,000 women entrepreneurs by 2012.

China Press said in the face of increasing calls for reviving the jury system, that the relevant authorities should make careful consideration and serious study of a long-term view before making their decision.

Nanyang Siang Pau said that the government should be flexible in handling the extension of maternity leave issue, while the private sector should permit career women to attend to both family and job during their maternity.

Sin Chew Daily also commented on the same issue adding calls for the government to employ more women, and to inspire the private sector to fulfil their social responsibility in this respect.