By Neville Spykerman (Malaysian Insider)
KUALA KUBU BAHRU, April 15 — Compromise candidate P. Kamalanathan today vowed to “swim or sink” with the people of Hulu Selangor after the deputy prime minister announced his nomination as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) choice for the April 25 by-election.
The MIC information chief who was appointed to help transform the party after its dismal performance in the 2008 general elections said he accepted the nomination with “great humility”.
“I will work hard.” he said, while thanking the BN leadership including deputy MIC president G. Palanevil for giving him the opportunity to stand as the candidate.
He vowed to take back the federal seat, formerly a BN stronghold, and deliver it to Datuk Seri Najib Razak as gift for his first year in office.
He dismissed speculation there was unhappiness by factions in MIC, who were unhappy with his nomination, and expressed confidence that he has the support of BN.
“I represent BN, I represent the brand of 1 Malaysia.”
He described himself as a soldier called into battle by the prime minister and said he was up for the challenge.
He added that he never expected to be nominated and was “shocked”, and “had shed tears” when informed by the party’s president at noon today.
He declined to comment on his political opponent from PKR but said he was ready to take to the ground and tell the people about the development opportunities BN could bring.