Just like the last lap of a race, the two candidates vying to become elected representative of the Hulu Selangor constituency are going all out to woo voters, with just 24 hours to go before polling on Sunday.

P Kamalanathan of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Zaid Ibrahim of PKR are wasting no time and taking no chances in attracting the voters, with both upping the ante.

"The next 24 hours is crucial. I am going the extra mile now. I have to finish strong and leave no stone unturned. I wish I had a few more days to cover the constituency.

"It is hectic and very tiring. Just look at my programme... it is packed from 7.30am right up to 11pm.

"With only two days to go, I have to move faster and work harder to meet as many people as I can," Kamalanathan told Bernama when met during the campaign trail.

The 44-year-old MIC information chief began his day with a walkabout at the Serendah wet market, moving to Kampung Assam, Kampung Baru Rasa, Kampung Pinang, Ladang Escot and Taman Golden Wood.

In the afternoon, Kamalanathan's programme is equally packed , as he visits Kampung Hassan, Kampung Orang Asli Pertak, Kampung Orang Asli Garachi and Kampung Cina Ulu Yam Barat.

He will also join Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in Ampang Pecah this evening, with the programme scheduled to end about 10pm.

However, the former public relations practitioneer noted, while his programme seemed well-organised, inevitably, there would be phone calls from BN leaders requesting him to be present at last-minute events and functions.

The Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat, with 64,500 voters, is one of the biggest in the country. Measuring as big as Melaka, moving from one place to another took time as connectivity is, via winding trunk roads which are filled with lorries and trucks.

Clad in a white BN shirt which has become his 'uniform' since last Saturday, Kamalanathan, with wife S. Shobana by the side during campaigning, said he was willing to go the extra mile to ensure the ruling BN won the seat.

"I expect the next two days to move at break-neck speed. I need to meet as many people as I can and talk to them," he added.

Meanwhile, Zaid is adopting a cautious approach in running the penultimate lap of the race to become Hulu Selangor member of parliament (MP).

PKR Hulu Selangor by-election director Fuziah Salleh, who is also Kuantan MP, said at a press conference that the party and its candidate were prepared for "extraordinary circumstances" in the last 48 hours.

The opposition candidate started his day at Kampung Gamut in Kalumpang, moving on to Kuala Kubu Baru. He is expected at Batang Kali in the afternoon, followed by Kampung Sungai Buaya, Rasa, Hulu Bernam before ending at 11pm in Batang Kali.

Unlike a normal race, this tie to become the Hulu Selangor MP does not just hinge on the hard work of a candidates but also other external factors, like supporters.

A win would be a concerted effort by all.

- Bernama