PRESS DIGEST - Malaysia - April 7

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

ALL NEWSPAPERS

- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi went on the offensive against his critics on Sunday, signalling he would fight back to keep United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and the government together.

THE STAR (www.thestar.com.my)

- An 18 million-litre per month diesel subsidy scheme for fishermen in Sabah is under probe by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), Sabah ACA Director, Latifah Md Yatim said.

- UMW Holdings Bhd (UMWS.KL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is exploring opportunities to expand its oil and gas business in the Middle East and North Africa, group Managing Director Abdul Halim Harun said.

NEW STRAITS TIMES (www.nst.com.my)

- Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak is the natural successor to the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) presidency, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

BUSINESS TIMES (www.btimes.com.my)