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 opened with the inhumane treatment foreign maids have endured in Malaysia and comparing it to bonded slavery.

Star headlined the beefing up of the Road Transport Department, with 700 additional enforcers to checks on reckless bus drivers and cab drivers.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia led with the proposal to reimplement the ringgit peg as one of the options to be discussed in a special briefing session at the Ministry of Finance.

Berita Harian fronted with the National Audit Department’s resolve to conduct surprise checks at all ministries, departments and government agencies, in order to get a true picture on the management of public funds in programmes and projects.

Tamil newspapers

Malaysia Nanban and Makkal Osai led with Gerakan acting president, Koh Tsu Koon calling for a new Parliament Select Committee to review the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Tamil Nesan front-paged MIC president Samy Vellu’s call for the Hindraf 5 to be released. The five of them are currently detained under ISA.

Chinese newspapers

China Press highlighted Teng Hock Nan's victory yesterday over Chia Kwang Chye to become the new Penang Gerakan chief.

Nanyang Siang Pau and Oriental Daily News put up the new MCA -DAP dispute, on whether police reports by MCA members caused the ISA arrest of Teresa Kok.

Sin Chew Daily claimed that The Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption (MCAC) due to operate starting 2009, will be structured along Hong Kong’s much-revered Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Editorial

New Straits Times highlighted similiraties between both Democrat and Republican candidates in the wake of a finance sector downturn. Also it asked all parties in Malaysia to sink or swim together.

Utusan Malaysia called for investigations into allegations of sub standard food for ISA detainees as alleged by senior Selangor Exco member cum Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

Berita Harian reiterated the deputy education minister Razali Ismail’s advice, requesting teachers not to discuss politics in schools.

Malaysia Nanban reminded consumers to be cautious when purchasing powder milk products following reports of high melanin contents in powder milk from China.

Makkal Osai urged MIC to play a proactive role in releasing Hindraf leaders who are currently detained under the ISA.

Nanyang Siang Pau reminded the government to be cautious against the US financial storm and to enhance Malaysia's economic safety measures.

China Press questioned the effectiveness of inter-racial relationship laws in bringing racial harmony and unity.

Sin Chew Daily called the government to assist counseling bodies to improving their professional skills.