There are certain quarters who are just gunning for power through instilling fear on the adverse impacts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, says Johor Baru MP Shahrir Samad.

"We should not be consumed by fear (and) allow others to instil fear because that is what they want us to have.

"If we want to move forward, we must be brave," Shahrir, the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chief, told a press conference after attending a TPPA dialogue session at the MITI Tower in Kuala Lumpur.

With an understanding of the terms under the TPPA and its impact on Malaysia, Shahrir said, there should be no reason for the people to be afraid.

Coming from Johor, Shahrir said that International Trade and Industries Minister Mustapa Mohamed, who is a Kelantanese, may not understand the term "momok" that he (Shahrir) had used to describe the act of instilling fear.

"To a Kelantanese, I would just ask whether the TPPA can have an impact like Qu Puteh?" he said, pointing out that there can be more successful local entrepreneurs so long as they are brave enough to take risks.

Qu Puteh founder Hasmiza Othman, who had made headlines with her drama-laced antics, said recently that everyone who wants to be a successful entrepreneur should court controversy .

"It used to be that football teams were upset with TNB and GLCs (government-linked companies) because they did not want to sponsor but now suddenly Qu Puteh is sponsoring Kelantan, painting the stadium pink and providing pink jerseys. She is brave.

"For sure, there will be other successful entrepreneurs like Qu Puteh (under the TPPA) but on the condition that we are confident and brave," he said.

He also said that alleged attempts to instil fear of TPPA - such as printing booklets that used the image of a pig on its cover - will not be beneficial for the country in the long run.

"Don't be afraid or worried. There is a part of the TPPA that protects the halal industry.

"This is negative thinking. We can't be like that. We must be brave," he insisted, adding that BNBBC members were prepared to debate the TPPA once it is tabled during the special Parliament session on Jan 26.

'No compromise on national policies'

Shahrir also said that BN lawmakers will not compromise on national policies including on the protection of bumiputera rights and the development of the halal industry.

"Our support for the TPPA is based on the fact that it has taken into account Malaysia's unique situation," he said.

Since the TPPA has now been passed by the Senate, it is expected to be signed in New Zealand next month to be followed by a two-year ratification period before its terms will come into force.