The small town of Ijok, the venue for a state seat by-election on April 28, has been allocated RM36 million for development projects by the Selangor state government.

However, Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was quick to add that this development projects were not by-election sweeteners to fish for votes.

He said the projects have been in the pipeline for some time.

The new development projects approved by the state government included the upgrading of public facilities such as road widening and resurfacing works.

Also included are constructing drains and lighting up major roads.

"All of them will start immediately. We have chosen the contractors," Khir was quoted as saying by Bernama today.

Khir made the announcement at a meet-the-people session in Ijok this morning.

BN vs PKR

The menteri besar also urged the chosen contractors to complete the projects as soon as possible.

New contractors would be chosen if there is a delay in the projects, he warned.

The nomination for the by-election is tomorrow, with polling is set for April 28.

Barisan Nasional as named the Tanjung Karang MIC secretary K Parthiban, 38, as its candidate.

He will be facing Parti Keadilan Rakyat's treasurer and Selangor state chief Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, 61, in the contest. However, unconfirmed press reports indicate the possibility of a six-way battle.

Both Parthiban and Khalid - the former Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Kumpulan Guthrie chief executive officer - are local borns.

The state seat fell vacant following the death of BN assemblyman K Sivalingam April 4.

Support from rebels for Parthiban

Meanwhile, Parthiban said the internal dispute in Kuala Selangor MIC would not hamper his chances of winning the seat.

He was responding to the recent move by Kuala Selangor MIC chief P Thirumoorthy, 55, and seven MIC branch leaders from the Kuala Selangor division to quit the party following a tiff by party president S Samy Vellu over the choice of the party's candidate.

Parthiban said that several of the branch leaders who had quit the party alongside Thirumoorthy have conveyed their support for him.

"I'm positive that they'll support me because they are my friends. So far, four of them have contacted me to express their support.

"They said there's nothing to fear as whatever happens, they'll still be supporting me. I'm confident that the remaining three will do so soon," he was quoted by Bernama today.

Parthiban, 38, said he had been warmly received during his visits to several areas in the constituency.

He added that most of the residents had voiced their concern over the lack of infrastructure like roads, drains and street lights.