PRESS DIGEST - Malaysia - April 24

Following are the main stories in Malaysian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

THE STAR (www.thestar.com.my)

- Ninety lawyers have been roped in as Assistant Public Prosecutors to assist Deputy Public Prosecutors to expedite the handling of cases in the lower courts, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said.

- The de-merged Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TLMM.KL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) led market gainers on Wednesday, climbing 49 cents, or an adjusted 16.07 percent, to 3.45 ringgit.

NEW STRAITS TIMES

- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants political secretaries of ministers to work as a team and be people-friendly, especially with the scrapping of the posts of parliamentary secretary.

BUSINESS TIMES (www.btimes.com.my)

- Budget carrier AirAsia Bhd (AIRA.KL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the world's largest buyer of the A320s, will not be affected by Airbus' decision to raise prices of its aircraft, Chief Executive Tony Fernandes said.

- Swiss cement maker Holcim Ltd is rumoured to be buying over rival Tasek Corp Bhd (TKCS.KL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) to prepare itself for stiffer competition as the government may open up the steel bar and cement market, an industry source said.