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

Front Page

English newspapers

Both New Straits Times and the Star led with Barisan Nasional’s increased majority in their victories against the Pakatan Rakyat in the Kerdau and Merlimau by-elections.

It was also reported that the voter turnouts increased this year compared to 2008. In Kerdau, voter turnout was 83 percent (up from 80.3 percent in 2008) and in Merlimau, 79 percent (up from 76.18 percent in 2008).

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian and Sinar Harian also headlined with BN maintaining the state legislative seats in both areas, Merlimau and Kerdau, during yesterday’s by-elections.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin expressed gratitude towards the voters for the victories of BN.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented on the effectiveness of community policing. It was reported that the 15 percent reduction in the crime index exceeded the targeted five percent, and the 35 percent decline in street crime beat the targeted 20 percent, due to the pay and conditions of police personnel having been improved. The police presence at crime hot spots has become more visible and that they are better linked to communications technology these days, bringing into question the need for community policing.  

Berita Harian commented on taking stern and immediate action towards groups of people who are attempting to encourage the public to topple the elected government through street protests. There should not be any chaos happening around the globe similar to those in Egypt and Libya, it opined.

Utusan Malaysia commented that BN’s victory and success in retaining the state legislative assembly seats at Merlimau, Melacca and Kerdau, Pahang, have proved that the people and voters are confident in the party.

It also proved that all the propaganda, tactics and tricks by the opposition parties has failed to influence the people to support them.