Dr Mahathir: Malaysia set to roar as ‘Asian Tigerʼ once again
He says UK, US investors pleased with explanation on country’s situation and its policies
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir is confident that Malaysia can regain its “Asian Tiger” status following his successful meetings with foreign investors during his working visits to the United Kingdom and the United States.
He said during his 10-day trip, investors he met in the UK and the US were pleased with the explanation provided on the country’s situation and its policies after Pakatan Harapan formed the new government.
He said the investors had also pledged to invest in Malaysia.
“They were pleased with our explanations and expressed confidence (in us), and will come to Malaysia to invest,” he said on returning home with his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd, at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base here yesterday.
Present to greet him were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Entrepreneurial Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, as well as several deputy ministers.
Also on hand to welcome him were about 300 PH supporters.
Dr Mahathir’s two-leg working visit to the UK was from Sept 21 to 25, and Sept 29 to Oct 1.
The two visits were held in between his trip to New York in the US, where he attended the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.
Dr Mahathir said he had briefed potential investors that the government’s priority was to create as many job opportunities as possible for the people at all levels.
“They (investors) acknowledged that they would be needing officers, engineers and skilled workers in various fields when they begin investing here.
“We will be producing highquality products. I appeal to all Malaysians to be ready.
“When these people come to invest here, we should not disappoint them.
“We must show that we can produce high-quality products by working hard and also show that Malaysia can regain its ‘Asian Tiger’ title.”
Dr Mahathir said during his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May in London, he gave her a special briefing on how the country addressed its corruption issues.
May, he said, was pleased with the briefing and was also surprised by the overwhelming response given by UK investors and businesses.
Dr Mahathir thanked the UK and US governments for the hospitality extended to him and his wife during the visits.
He also expressed his appreciation to Dr Wan Azizah for chairing the weekly cabinet meeting during his absence.
“I thank everyone for welcoming me home.
“I am fine, I just have a little cough, but not when making speeches,” he quipped.