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

Front page

English newspapers

Both Star and New Straits Times front-paged Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s tongue-lashing of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Anwar Ibrahim over their criticism of his leadership.

He also said he would hand over his post to his deputy, Najib Abdul Razak, when the time is right.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia quoted Abdullah as saying that critics of Umno critics have a personal agenda and are irresponsible.

He was further quoted as saying that sabotage by Umno members was the main reason why BN lost a number of seats in ‘highly-winnable’ seats during the 12th general election last month.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily, Oriental Daily News and Nanyang Siang Pau front-paged the revival of tensions between Abdullah and Mahathir.

Abdullah has blamed his predecessor for Operasi Lalang and erosion of press freedom and judicial independence. Mahathir has accused hin of being in denial over the real reasons for BN’s electoral losses.

Tamil newspapers

Makkal Osai led with claims by two opposition state representatives in Perak that they had been offered money to cross over to BN.

Tamil Nesan quoted MIC president S Samy Vellu as saying that he and his party still have a role to play in safeguarding the community’s interests.

Editorial

New Straits Times says it is time for Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe, who has been in power for 28 years, to leave politics after apparently being dealt a devastating electoral defeat.

Berita Harian says Umno must get rid of saboteurs in the party, and rebuild its strength.

Utusan Malaysia opines that Umno leaders must go back to the grassroots to regain the people’s confidence because grassroots support is the foundation of the party’s strength.

Sin Chew Daily said over-dependence on foreign labour will worsen the unemployment. Since the 1980s, the government has not had a clear policy on the use of foreign labour.

Nanyang Siang Pau has urged the government to increase rice production and modernise the agriculture sector to reduce dependence on imported rice.

Makkal Osai commented on the changing political sphere in the country with the prominence gained by Pakatan Rakyat. The daily said BN should do more if it wants to remain relevant.