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

The New Straits Times, Star and TheSun headlined the announcement by former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he has relinquished his lifetime membership from the party.

This is another move in his bid to pressure current president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down from the post.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian led with Mahathir’s announcement and Abdullah’s response that he would not bow to pressure.

It further reported that the Anti-Corruption Agency is waiting for the Attorney-General’s directive on whether files will be re-opened on former chief justice Eusoff Chin and lawyer VK Lingam.

Utusan Malaysia featured Abdullah’s call for calm and for party members to show loyalty to Umno. It also reported deputy president Najib Abdul Razak’s willingness to meet with Mahathir.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily, Oriental Daily News and China Press also focused on Mahathir’s departure from Umno.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported a vigil held yesterday in conjunction with Wesak Day to remember victims of the earthquake in southwestern China.

Tamil newspapers

All the three Tamil dailies - Malaysia Nanban, Tamil Nesan and Makkal Osai - led with Mahathir's decision to quit Umno. The dailies also carried various reactions to that lead story.

Editorial

New Straits Times is of the view that Malaysians need a clearer idea of information communications technology programmes in order to develop better cost-effective strategies.

Berita Harian says that humanitarian considerations are more important than politics when it comes to assisting countries struck by natural disasters.

Tamil Nesan said that while it was within Mahathir's right to resign from Umno, it was inappropriate for him to call on other members to do the same.