KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) Chairman Shahrir Samad has called on Malaysians to have more confidence in their countrymen’s ability to succeed in business even in the face of foreign competition.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry today, Shahrir said the success of Pamoga Qu Puteh was proof that Malaysians had what it took to compete against foreign corporations if the Trans-Pacific Partnershup Agreement (TPPA) were signed.

Pamoga Qu Puteh is owned by flamboyant entrepreneur Hasmiza Othman.

“For sure, there will be other successful entrepreneurs like Qu Puteh, but on the condition that we are confident and brave,” Shahrir said.

“Now I hear that Datuk Seri Dr Hasmiza is sponsoring the Kelantan football team, the Red Warriors, and is asking them to change the colour of their uniform.”

He pointed out that many people were against the TPPA because they feared that it would result in foreign corporations overpowering local companies. But the success of local companies like Pamoga Qu Puteh proved that the fear was unfounded, he said.

“Malaysians have come a long way in terms of succeeding in business and we need to have confidence that our local businessmen will be able to compete with foreign corporations,” he added.

The press conference was held in conjunction with a workshop on the TPPA.