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 headlined police chief Musa Hassan's defamation suit against Anwar Ibrahim. Musa claimed that Anwar has made a series of allegations regarding the 1998 "black eye" incident without substantiating the accusation with proof.

The Star led with conflicting responses on the PAS-Umno talks. The paper claimed that some were taken aback by the "advance stage of the high-powered talks". PAS spiritual leader, Nik Aziz Nik Mat has said that talks have to stop as they have caused confusion to the grassroots.

Bahasa Malaysia newspapers

Berita Harian also led with IPG Musa Hassan's defamation suit filed against Anwar yesterday.

Utusan Malaysia headlined the purchase of 14 Mercedes E200 Compressors worth RM3.43 million as official vehicles for Terengganu exco members and their senior staff. The issue will be brought to the cabinet meeting for discussion, said deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak.

Tamil newspapers

Makkal Osai and Malaysia Nanban led with Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam urging the police to probe into cases of bonded slavery in the country.

Tamil Nesan fronted a court order sought by lawyer Karpal Singh for private eye P Balasubramaniam and Najib to be called in to testify at the Altantuya case.

Editorial

The New Straits Times pointed out that this fresh round of PAS-Umno talks will expose the differences between the two parties on Islam rather than unite them. The paper argued that the talks held immediately after elections may have been due to PAS' "uneasiness" with their "unusual" alliance with Pakatan Rakyat. The paper also claimed that the Pakatan Rakyat's marriage of convenience was on the rocks.

Berita Harian suggested that cooperatives were one way to fight inflation today. Prices of supplies were sold cheap to members of these cooperatives and this can help stem out "the middle man" effect which raises prices.

Utusan Malaysia lamented on Terengganu exco's move to purchase 14 Mercedes E200 Compressors worth RM3.43 million as official vehicles.

Tamil Nesan said that business skills were important for local traders and urged them to work with the Human Resources Ministry to enhance their skills.