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 frontpaged the denials of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak that there had been a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad for Abdullah to make way for Najib after one term in office.

The Star led with how the use of indelible ink on voters’ fingers’ would be implemented in the coming general election.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian also led with the denial of Abdullah regarding any gentleman’s agreement on his appointment by Mahathir. Abdullah was also reported to have indicated he is ‘about to’ announce the general election”.

Utusan Malaysia frontpaged Abdullah’s statement that only those who are capable will be chosen as Barisan Nasional candidates for the upcoming general elections.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban headlined that a total of RM1.04 million was collected by the Batu Caves temple committee in donations and other income during this year’s Thaipusam celebrations.

Tamil Nesan also had this story in its front page but its lead story was on the denial by Abdullah of the agreement with Mahathir.

Makkal Osai led with the murder of an Indian woman in Klang yesterday. It also had the Thaipusam accounts in its front page.

Editorial

The New Straits Times said while all-out effort needs to be taken to ensure the police force is adequately resourced and equipped to fight crime, there must also be steps to improve the calibre of the rank and file.

Berita Harian called for all quarters to combat crime.

Tamil Nesan welcomed the move by the police force to set up more police stations and police beats nationwide to combat crime.