SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley Strategist Fund

     In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended July 31, 2003 that is accompanied by
this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
     respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.


Date: September 22, 2003                                 Ronald E. Robison
                                                  Principal Executive Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley Strategist Fund and will be retained by Morgan
Stanley Strategist Fund and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission
or its staff upon request.



                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley Strategist Fund

     In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended July 31, 2003 that is accompanied by
this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
     respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.


Date: September 22, 2003                                   Francis Smith
                                                  Principal Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley Strategist Fund and will be retained by Morgan
Stanley Strategist Fund and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission
or its staff upon request.