Two Malaysian journalists in Iraq who earlier considered returning after last Saturday's attack o­n a Malaysian convoy have decided to remain o­n their mission and journey into Baghdad for further reporting.

The journalists from Tamil-language newspapers Malaysia Nanban and Tamil Nesan had indicated their intention to return last week after a kidnapping incident involving three other journalists and two Malaysian Medical Relief Society (Mercy Malaysia) volunteers.

Acting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi o­n Tuesday expressed hope that the handful of Malaysian journalists wanting to return will reconsider their plans.