Returning to a favourite theme, Mahathir said potential investors should travel to see for themselves what was happening.

His remarks came in a speech at the opening of the Apec International Trade Fair ahead of next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Kuala Lumpur.

"Several of the affected economies including Malaysia have already implemented various short- and long-term measures and policies to attract foreign direct investments as well as restore confidence among the international business community," he said."I regret to note that these efforts are being undermined by the negative and biased reports of several credit rating agencies and the media," he said.

"Their persistent and determined misreporting and assessment have done a disservice to theirclients whose decisions are based on these reports," Mahathir said.

"Investors should really travel to these countries to see for themselves what is really happening," Mahathir said.

The premier has previously said that downgradings of Malaysia's sovereign rating by credit rating firms have made it difficult for the country to raise money overseas.

He has also repeatedly slammed the foreign media for reports on the sacking of finance minister Anwar Ibrahim, which he said put Malaysia in a negative light.

Anwar has been indicted on charges of corruption and sodomy. He has denied all charges against him and has said he has been the victim of a high-level plot.

In his speech, Mahathir also said he saw a trend towards protectionism in the export markets of Asian countries at a time when it was crucial for them to remain open.

He said advanced economies among the 18 Apec members must support the export efforts of economies affected by the financial crisis to facilitate recovery."Under the currenteconomic circumstances, economies in Asia have intensified their efforts to increase exports to hasten their economic recovery.

"It is crucial, therefore, for the export markets of these affected economies to remain open for the products originating from these countries," he said.