The focus was on former managing director of Perwaja Rolling Mill Development Sdn Bhd Eric Chia. He was acquitted of a criminal breach of trust charge involving RM76.4 million without his defence being called.

English Newspapers

New Straits Times headlined Chia's acquittal.

The Star led with the on-going Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial. The Shah Alam High Court heard a claim that immigration entry records of Altantuya and her two Mongolian companions had been deleted.

Malay Newspapers

Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia both highlighted Chia's acquittal.

Berita Harian also reported Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan's revelation that gangsters from Singapore were involved in organised crimes in Johor.

Chinese Newspapers

Sin Chew Daily, Oriental Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau also front-paged the Chia decision.

Tamil Newspapers

Malaysia Nanban featured an interview with ex-PKR member S Nallakaruppan who warned that the opposition party is doomed. This follows news that former Youth leader Ezam Mohd Noor had left the party due to unhappiness over the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim. Nallakaruppan, who had left the party for similar reasons, said he would be making an important announcement soon.

Makkal Osai too had news on Nallakaruppan but its headlines was on Chia's acquittal.

Editorial

New Straits Times looked at the one-week notice by MTUC in conducting a picket to demand a minimum wage in the private sector. It said the period is inadequate because the prime minister is out of the country and because the government has indicated a readiness to negotiate.

Berita Harian called for strict laws to control sperm banks, in particular to prohibit Muslims from using the service.

Utusan Malaysia sympathised with the plight of private sector employees especially those in the low-income bracket, but said that picketing even in a peaceful manner is not the solution to problems.

Oriental Daily News commented on the issue of debt among many credit-card holders.

Sin Chew Daily urged the government to promote the learning of Mandarin to enhance the relationship between Malaysia and China.

Nanyang Siang Pau also emphasised the importance of linguistic ability especially Mandarin, to foster competitiveness with other countries.

Malaysia Nanban commented that the government should support a call by Cameron Highlands parliamentarian SK Devamany that Indian contractors should be given Class F contracts.

Makkal Osai said members of the Parliament should refrain from throwing tantrums in the Dewan Rakyat and use their time to debate matters that affect the public interest.