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

Front Page

English newspapers

Both Star and New Straits Times highlighted Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan’s unexpected decision to pull out of the general election.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia frontpaged the ‘crisis’ in DAP in the wake of Fong’s withdrawal from defending the Batu Gajah seat.

Berita Harian led with ulama at the Third World Al-Azhar Alumni Multaqa urging the world to embrace the Islam Hadhari approach pioneered by Malaysian premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Chinese newspapers

Both Sin Chew Daily and Oriental Daily News led with Fong’s announcement.

Nanyang Siang Pau frontpaged Abdullah’s guarantee that the next Penang chief minister will be a capable leader.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban speculated that the government would be allocating three ministerial berths for MIC after the general election. At present the party has only one representative in the cabinet.

Makkal Osai led with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi telling the public that they too had a role to play in crime prevention.

Tamil Nesan frontpaged Abdullah’s assurance that the government will look into the teaching of Science and Mathematics in Tamil and Mandarin. At present these two subjects are taught in English.

Editorial

Berita Harian urged the government to act against illegal assemblies, so that these do not disrupt election campaigning.

Utusan Malaysia also called for protestors to be punished, saying the culture of illegal assemblies should not be encouraged.

New Straits Times said Hindraf supporters are doing the Barisan Nasional a favour as they have made themselves widely resented for disrupting the lives of Kuala Lumpur folk.

Sin Chew Daily emphasised that it will continue work together with the Chinese Malaysian society for the sake of a better future.

Nanyang Siang Pau commented on the rising of new political stars. It concluded that the criteria for capable politicians must encompass quality, diligence and personality.