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 devoted the front page to a stinging editorial on Umno’s reaction to the election results, while telling party members to give full support to president and premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

It also reported Umno deputy president Najib Abdul Razak’s confidence in Abdullah’s decisions on the best form of action for the party and nation.

TheSun highlighted Wanita Umno head Rafidah Aziz’s warning to party members who push for a new leader, saying this is unprecedented and would lead to a change in premier as well.

Star led with the health ministry’s intention to subject private hospital fees to a review, given complaints that the sums are excessive.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian led with Najib’s view of the transition process in Umno.

Utusan Malaysia reported that the price of rice has risen 10-20 percent since last Sunday, as a consequence of a global shortage. It also gave prominence to Rafidah’s remarks.

Editorial

TheSun calls on the youth and sports ministry to make public its report that Malaysian youth are becoming less patriotic. The daily says that, to encourage patriotism, youth must be persuaded to see the nation’s relevance.

Like the NST, sister-paper Berita Harian has urged Umno to move on and show that it has what it takes to lead the nation.

Utusan Malaysia says that, after rebuilding Umno, the leadership transition process must be put in place to respond to grassroots demands.