Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers. What is today's agenda for the English, Bahasa, Chinese and Tamil papers?

Front page

English newspapers

New Straits Times reported on the tumble of world markets in the fallout following from the US subprime mortgage crisis. Daily percentages fell at all Asian stock markets - which recorded their lowest in recent years - with South Korea's Kospi plunging 6.9 percent, Manila six percent, Singapore 3.7 percent, and Malaysia' KL Composite Index falling 3.53 percent.

The paper also headlined the situation of two men who remain languishing on death row because the judge who convicted them five years ago has yet to provide the grounds of judgement.

The Sun, meanwhile, reported on the Cabinet's indignant refusal to accept the apology of a 24 year old Malaysian student in Taiwan, Wee Meng Chee, for his parody of the national anthem. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in spite of Wee's apology, "the process of law has to take place and what is wrong has to be corrected."

Star frontpaged Abdullah's announcement of big moves slated by the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) in order to cut government red tape and improve the public sector's delivery system. These include the cutting of time to obtain tax refunds, to start businesses, the processing of expatriates' work permits, and the issuing of business licenses.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia reported on the unresponsiveness of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) to complaints from the public. The publication also reported on the increasing high number of suicides committed by US veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian both reported on Abdullah's announcement of Pemudah's moves to cut red tape and civil service delivery. In addition to this, Berita Harian front paged a report that the Anti-Corruption Agency was monitoring the system and procedures of the Road Transport Department to ensure "there is no room for corruption or abuse of powers." This follows on the heels of the worst accident in recent history in which 20 passengers on an express bus travelling from Malacca to Alor Setar were killed and scores of others were seriously injured.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban led with a news on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dismissing claims that the government had not done anything for the Indian community.

Tamil Nesan reported that Abdullah will soon be announcing the new retirement age limit - from 56 to 60.

Makkal Osai led with Maika Holdings shareholder seekin apology from MIC President S Samy Vellu for the failure of the party's investment arm.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau and Oriental Daily News reported the dramatic drop in the Asian share markets. Closer to home, the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index dropped by 3.53 percent or 44.21 points, to 1,207.61.

These dailies also gave prominent coverage on the different responses of political leaders over the apology of Negarakuku rapper Wee Men Chee. Several Umno ministers wanted to prosecute him but MCA pledged to assist him if action was taken against him.

Editorial

New Straits Times brings to attention what it describes as the authorities' piecemeal and ad-hoc response to the bus express accident that saw the death of 20 passengers.

Likewise, Berita Harian applauded the Cabinet's decision to implement six proposals by the Transport Ministry in order to prevent future bus tragedies. However, it added, the authorities must also ensure that the public bodies perform their duties in enforcing present rules and regulations as well as proposed ones.

Nanyang Siang Pau hoped the relevant authorities will ensure the six measures aimed towards improving the safety of public transport are implemented and enforced.

Malaysia Nanban commented on the increased participation of women in business compared to their male counterparts.

Makkal Osai wants the government to be strict and consistent in implementing new measure to avoid road crashes.