Shortly after K Parthiban was named as Barisan Nasional's candidate for the Ijok state seat by-election earlier today, the 38-year-old bachelor sat down to give his first press conference.

The media session started with a jittery Parthiban making small talks about the large swath of flies buzzing about at the Dewan Harmoni in Ijok where the announcement of his candidacy was made.

Jokes were also made linking the flies and the place - 'E' meaning flies in Tamil and the first syllable of the name of Ijok.

With laughter ringing all around over the joke - and flies continuing to zap in and out - a journalist quickly asked Parthiban if getting rid of the flying health hazard was his first problem to tackle.

And with this started Parthiban's three-minute interview, in a rather serious note:

Parthiban: Yes, there are a lot of flies because we have a chicken processing factory here. We have already taken measures to tackle this problem by disapproving (new) licences for poultry farming.

There was a press conference yesterday by the MIC Kuala Selangor chief (P Thirumoorthy on his dissatisfaction for being overlooked as a candidate)...

That one I have no comment, please refer to the party president (S Samy Vellu).

Do you think this controversy will affect your chance?

No, no, no, I don't want to comment anything about the MIC Kuala Selangor (leader).

What is your pledge as a candidate?

Happy-lah.

Was it an unexpected (move for you to be named as a candidate)?

No, no.

When were you informed (about the party's plan to field you as a candidate)?

Last Thursday.

Were you surprised when you were told about it?

Surprised, but I am prepared to do community work.

Who contacted you?

(MIC) Deputy president G Palanivel.

You may be facing a heavyweight from the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat while you're considered a newcomer in politics. What's your view on that?

I am not scared about that. I will try my level best to retain the seat.

Is there any local issue that you would like to address?

The basic facilities for the kampung (villages in Ijok).

Basic facilities like what?

Road, electricity.

Which areas that you think are in need of further improvement?

For the time being, I don't know. I just follow president's directive.

Are you familiar with this area?

Yes, I am familiar with this area.

Do you worry that supporters led by Thirumoorthy will work against you in the election campaign?

That one I don't want to commentl. No comment.

Will you try to meet them to resolve this differences?

No comment, okay? Thank you very much.

Watch 3-minute video of the press conference: