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

Front Page

English newspapers

New Straits Times, the Star and The Sun front-paged the five Hindraf leaders detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) yesterday. They have been sent to Kamunting to be held for two years.

New Straits Times also briefly reported the unveiling of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in parliament as the Special Complaints Commission and the role of the royal commission of inquiry into the Lingam tapes.

The Star also led with Damai Malaysia’s, a coalition of 395 NGOs, memorandum to the prime minister that criticised illegal protests. The prime minister cited that as proof of the silent majority of peace-loving Malaysians who oppose demonstrations and violence.

The Sun also reported the prime minister’s assertion that Hindraf were traitors who were attempting to destroy the country and racial unity.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian also front-paged the ISA detention of five Hindraf leaders, P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan, V Ganabatirau and T Vasantha Kumar.

Utusan Malaysia also reported the worsening floods around the country especially in Pahang, Kelantan and Sarawak.

Berita Harian also led the prime minister’s criticism of Hindraf for allegedly soliciting foreign help to spread unfounded accusations and disrupt peace. It also reported the establishment of the Special Complaints Commission to investigate complaints of police and enforcement officers’ misconduct.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau and Oriental Daily News also front-paged the ISA arrests of five Hindraf leaders yesterday.

Tamil newspapers

Again, the ISA arrest of five Hindraf leaders were the top story in Malaysia Nanban, Tamil Nesan and Makkal Osai.

Editorial

New Straits Times commented on the invoking of ISA towards the five Hindraf leaders, calling it the last resort.

The Sun commented on the government’s chief secretary Mohd Sidek Hassan’s uphill battle to improve the civil service. It also called on civil servants of all levels to adopt new work culture and play their role in enhancing the public delivery system.

Berita Harian defended the use of ISA to maintain national peace and attempted to dispel Hindraf’s claims of marginalisation and ethnic cleansing.

Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau commented on the important role of the proposed royal commission in restoring public confidence on judiciary.