Headlines online: March 13

Headlines online: March 13
Mar 13, 08 12:13pm
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 Sun, the Star and New Straits Times went to town over the cracks and crisis in the opposition parties in Perak due to the announcement that PAS’ Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin had been chosen as the state menteri besar.

New Straits Times and the Star also reported on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as having said the first cabinet meeting would be held next Wednesday. This means the new cabinet lineup may be announced as early as this coming Monday.

Malay newspapers

Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian also carried reports on the crisis over the Perak MB. Berita Harian reported on the PM’s announcement of the next cabinet meeting next Wednesday.

Utusan Malaysia also led with the PM warning Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng not to cause tensions. Lim had announced yesterday that among Penang’s first moves after coming into power was to end carrying out the pro-bumiputera NEP in the state.

Tamil newspapers

Tamil Nesan led with MIC president S Samy Vellu saying that he would work together with his former deputy S Subramaniam to strengthen the party.

In Makkal Osai, Samy Vellu is quoted as saying that he does not want any post in the cabinet.

Editorial

New Straits Times said Penang’s new government must get over its ‘honeymoon’ euphoria soon and get down to managing the nuts-and-bolts business of a government in transition.

Berita Harian urged for the appointment of all state menteris besar to be according to their respective constitutions.

Following Penang’s announcement yesterday to dismantle the NEP, Utusan Malaysia called for the ruling DAP government to guard against inciting racial tensions.

Tamil Nesan commented on the overall good results in last years’ SPM results. A total of 6,247 candidates scored As in all the subjects that they sat for, an improvement from 2006 when there were only 5,685 straight-A scorers.