The item of the day for all newspapers was the launch of the ambitious Northen Corridor Economic Region (NCER) project by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday.

Front Page

English newspapers

Both The Star and the News Straits Times highlighted the NCER project, while The Star had an additional report on Abdullah's pledge to turn Penang into the 'Gateway to the Northen Corridor'.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian also reported the ACA had identified the police officer accused of falsifying information against police chief Musa Hassan.

Utusan Malaysia highlighted the fact that recent flight delays experienced by MAS have been solved.

Chinese newspapers

All major Chinese newspaper headlined the transformation of Penang into modern metropolis and regional logistics hub under the NCER project.

Nanyang Siang Pau quoted police chief Musa Hassan as clarifying that he did not say he had been framed by his own men, in relation to recent corruption allegations against him.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban highlighted a memorandum submitted to police headquarters at Bukit Aman by PKR supreme council member S Manikavasagam, urging the police to expedite investigations on the death of local actress K Sujatha.

Makkal Osai reported that Human Rights Commission of Malaysia chairperson Abu Talib Othman has asked the government to ensure that children do not face the death penalty.

Tamil Nesan quoted Works Minister S Samy Vellu as saying that the government has allocated RM3.6 million to upgrade the Simpang Renggam detention centre.

Editorial

The New Straits Times applauded Iraq's triumph over Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup football final, and urged Malaysian footballers to take inspiration from the example set by the Iraqis.

Berita Harian is of the opinion that citizens must play an active role to ensure the success of the NCER.

Utusan Malaysia labeled PPP head M Kayveas' request for additional seats from Barisan Nasional an 'ineffective threat'.

Nanyang Siang Pau called on leaders of all ethnic groups to be more broad-minded in resolving problems. It also pointed out the need to overcome bureaucracy and corruption if implementation of the NCER is to succeed.

Sin Chew Daily said Penang would gain most from the NCER project.

Makkal Osai lauded the NCER project as a way to bring development to Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak.

Tamil Nesan applauded the education ministry's move to act against school canteen operators who do not comply with requirements.