Malaysiakini compares 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 led with its report on a looming bus crisis during the Hari Raya period, as there has been only lukewarm response to the government's offer to bus operators of 2,000 additional permits and 9,000 litres of subsidised diesel for each bus.

The daily also frontpaged the Auditor-General's announcement of a special seven-member unit of officers to conduct spot-checks on government agencies and departments to ensure their accounts are in order.

New Straits Times led with the announcement of Universiti Sains Malaysia as being chosen the best university in terms of its accelerated programme for excellence (Apex) and as having the greatest potential to be world-class.

TheSun frontpaged its report that former works minister and MIC president S Samy Vellu was found to be the beneficial owner of a plot of land in Bandar Utama originally meant only for a Tamil school. Half of the land was later given to MIC.

TheSun also led with a report on USM being chosen as first Apex university.

Malay newspapers

Berita Harian led with the government's announcement that it would provide 2,000 additional bus permits and subsidised diesel in preparation for the Hari Raya exodus as well as the choice of USM as first Apex university.

Utusan Malaysia led with Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad's statement that there may be fuel price cut in view of declining world oil prices. It also frontpaged Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob announcing he may contest the post of Umno Youth chief.

Chinese newspapers

Sin Chew Daily, Oriental Daily News and China Press all led with the news that Penang Umno leader Ahmad Ismail was summoned by the police to give a statement over his racist statement.

Nanyang Siang Pau meanwhile quoted Home Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar as saying that the cabinet had ordered Ahmad to apologise over his remarks that disparaged the Chinese community.

Tamil newspapers

Makkal Osai, in its front page, had PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim admitting to have met some BN members of parliament recently. The daily also quoted MCA president Ong Ka Ting as saying that his party welcomed an apology from Umno for a racist statement made by a Penang Umno leader.

Malaysia Nanban reproduced a Malaysiakini story that quoted Sarawak PKR leader Dominique Ng as saying that more than 40 BN MPs will be crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat.

Tamil Nesan also reproduced the same Malaysiakini story as one of its lead.

Editorial

New Straits Times said while the help recently extended to two elderly brothers following its report on their plight was good news, the fact that they had languished in dire straits for more than ten years suggested the societal neglect that should be addressed by all parties.

Utusan Malaysia called for the authorities to continue negotiating with the pirates who had taken hostage two Malaysian-owned vessels and their crew as they were passing through the Gulf of Aden. The government has sent crack troops and navy ships to the Gulf to monitor the situation.

Berita Harian said Malaysians in Bangkok must be cautious given the violent clashes that have occurred between the anti-Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej factions and the pro-Samak factions.

China Press urged Ahmad Ismail to openly apologise for his anti-Chinese remarks.

Nanyang Siang Pau commented that racial politics should not be used to gain political mileage.

Oriental Daily News commended the Perak and Penang governments for helping private Chinese secondary schools.

Sin Chew Daily commented on various current issues including whether Sept 16 should be declared as a public holiday for being the national day.

Tamil Nesan welcomed an announcement by the government that it would further reduce fuel prices before Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Malaysia Nanban urged the government to look into the problems faced by Hindu temples in renewing work permits from priests, musicians and sculptors from India.

Makkal Osai also touched on the same subject-matter, urging the prime minister to get involved to solve this problem.