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 Star headlined that high expectations are riding on the prime minister's visit to Sabah this weekend. A realistic Kalabakan MP Abdul Ghapur Salleh stated that problems are not expected to be solved overnight, "rather something manis-manis (sweet) must be given to heal the wounds."

The daily also highlighted the evacuation of 150,000 Chinese living below a swollen lake formed by the earthquake earlier this month, amid fears that it could trigger massive floods.

The New Straits Times led with the "hot" debate between Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir and Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman who accused the de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim of assisting the opposition during the Parliament's royal address. Zaid responded by calling for action against his accusers for humiliating him, the PM and the government.

TheSun led with the debate in Parliament over the controversial Champions Youth Cup (CYC) which has cost tax payers RM 17 million per edition.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with the government's dual scheme for public transportation fares to make sure that the lower income group still enjoyeds reasonable fairs. This announcement comes after PMBOA, Malaysian Bus Operator Association decided to hike up bus fares by 100 percent.

Other highlights included the nation's economic growth by 7.1 percent, an increase in JPA scholarship for non-bumiputera students, and the return of former PKR member, Ezam Mohd Nor to Umno.

Berita Harian led with government's effort to implement a block pricing system for petrol and diesel to make sure that fuel subsidies are only enjoyed by Malaysians.

It also highlighted the PMBOA request to increase bus fares.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan had MIC president S Samy Vellu remarking that a 12-year resettlement dispute between property developer and plantation giant, Sime Darby Bhd, and workers of Bukit Raja Estate in Klang, has finally ended when both parties reached a settlement following the intervention of MIC.

Makkal Osai reported on the sorry plight of residents in Sentul Pasar Hulu in Kuala Lumpur who have been without any basic amenities for the past 55 years.

Malaysia Nanban reported on the increase in JPA scholarship for non-bumiputera students - from 10 percent last year to 45 percent this year.

Editorial

New Straits Times noted that last week's ICJ decision on Pedra Blanca should be a lesson to Malaysia on always "developing the means to effectively control what is rightfully ours".

Berita Harian called for a more environment friendly fashion in rice production in the future.

It also noted how we can capitalize on the on-going price war between MAS and Air-Asia to increase revenue in tourism

Utusan Malaysia called for more attention to paddy planters and barren land in light of the world food crisis. It also highlighted the role of media in future developments in the nation.

Malaysia Nanban commented in the decision by the Education Ministry to build two new tamils schools in Lunas and Sungai Siput.

Tamil Nesan welcomed the assurance by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on ‘zero-deaths' in the compulsory national service trainings.