Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today called on Malaysians to work hard and produce high-quality products the world will be in awe of to enable the country to once again be labelled an Asian Tiger.

Speaking to the media after touching down at the Subang Royal Malaysian Air Force base, following his trip to London and New York to attend the UN General Assembly, he said many foreign investors have given their word on investing in Malaysia.

The government was therefore committed to bringing in as much investment as possible, he added, and urged the rakyat not to waste the opportunity.

"They (the investors) have agreed that they are going to create enterprises which would need trained officers, engineers and other (skilled) workers to produce high-value quality products here. 

"Thus, I want to appeal to all Malaysians to be prepared (for these incoming investments), and not let down those who come here to help our country by investing.

"We will work hard and produce high-quality products to show the world that our country has recovered and we are once again an Asian Tiger," he said.

A “tiger economy” is a country which undergoes rapid economic growth, usually accompanied by an increase in the standard of living.

The term was originally used for the Four Asian Tigers (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore) which in turn triggered the “Tiger cub economies” of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines in the 1990s.

Explaining Harapan's policies

Mahathir said he met with investors as well as media in the US during his visit to explain the policies of the new Pakatan Harapan-led federal administration.

"They seemed to be satisfied with the explanation," he added.

In his speech, where he addressed some 50 supporters who were present to welcome his return, Mahathir also shared his experience during the general assembly and his visits.

The premier said he received a warm reception from the governments of the US and UK, saying that it was akin to the treatment he gets in Malaysia.

This included full security escorts in both countries, and authorities blocking roads to give way to his entourage.

"I am grateful to have managed to complete this 10-day visit. Although I had been coughing a lot, I didn't when I was addressing (the UN General Assembly)," he quipped, to the amusement of his supporters.

It was reported that Mahathir also held bilateral meetings with three world leaders – British Prime Minister Theresa May, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in New York during the visit.

Besides his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali, also in his entourage was Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, and senior government officials.