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 and Star both led with the controversy surrounding the appointment of new Selangor state secretary Mohammed Khusrin Munawi, who began work yesterday.

The Selangor government will call an emergency state assembly sitting to amend the state constitution so that the power to appoint the state secretary, legal advisor and financial officer is returned to the state and sultan.

Malay newspapers

Sinar Harian, Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian too headlined the impasse in Selangor, with Sinar Harian highlighting that the MB has ‘sidelined’ Mohammed Khusrin by ignoring his request to take the oath of secrecy before the MB. The latter is due to be sworn in by the sultan on Jan 6.

Chinese Newspapers

Sin Chew Daily reported that Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim emphasised yesterday that the new state secretary, Mohammed Khusrin Munawi, was forbidden to attend confidential meetings, while Khusrin responded that this would not affect his daily work.

China Press and Oriental Daily News both front-paged the Selangor state secretary issue, reporting that Selangor government had refused to recognise Khusrin, and would amend the Constitution in a couple of weeks so that appointment of three high-level positions would require the state input and approval.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported that Malaysian Stock Market closed at 1533.42 yesterday, in a new high.

 Editorial

New Straits Times said that just like soldiers, teachers should be prepared to be transferred where they are required, but at the same time, attempts should be made to place teachers to areas closest to their homes, town, city or state.  

Berita Harian urged the government to implement a national healthcare scheme to assist those from the lower-income groups who require private medical care.  

Utusan called for Seri Muda state assemblyperson Mohd Shuhaimi Shafiei to be charged with treachery against the sultan, as he used “harsh” and “threatening” words when blogging against the appointment of state secretary Mohammed Khusrin.

Sin Chew Daily said the government should keep a close watch on stock and house estate prices for the sake of maintaining financial stability.

China Press said it was necessary for the government to launch health insurance plans for its citizens so that they would enjoy quality healthcare.

Nanyang Siang Pau suggested the government improve the management of the Tasik Selatan transport terminal.