PORT DICKSON: Meeting the rakyat on the ground, empathising with them, and assisting constituents in getting the help they need are nothing new to R Thinalan, 38.
The MIC National Youth deputy chief said it used to be part of his routine, as he often shadowed his late father – former MIC secretary-general and Port Dickson (now Sri Tanjung) constituency representative Datuk T Rajagopalu – for one term, and closely observed how the job was done.
“It was not easy and at times, (very) challenging. But my father was always driven to serve the community. (He) used to tell me that we must always give back to society.
“I believe that was what kept him going,” said Thinalan when met last night.
Rajagopalu, who was also a lawyer by profession and former Negri Sembilan’s MIC chairman, died in 2014 from a heart ailment.
It looks like Thinalan, who is also a lawyer, is confidently following in his father’s footsteps, with his appointment as candidate for the Sri Tanjung state seat under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner.
“I look forward to continuing the legacy of my late father. But most importantly, I want to bring a lot of changes to the area that can benefit the people here.
“In 2008 and 2013, the seat was won by the opposition. It is my hope to win it back and restore the glory of the constituency,” said the eldest of three siblings.
As one of the new faces and young BN candidates to contest in the 14th general election (GE14), Thinalan said that his manifesto will include providing a focus on the needs of youths, besides offering better facilities for the constituency.
“Despite being known as one of the most popular tourist spots (in Malaysia), sadly, there have not been… many developments in the area, (including attractions) that can be enjoyed by residents as well as visitors.
“The opposition has failed to realise the needs of the people here. It’s time that we take charge, and I am sure that the voters here are wise enough to decide,” he said, adding that his plans include bringing back the popular ‘Pesta Port Dickson,’ which was last held more than a decade ago.
Furthermore, Thinalan plans to draw on his expertise as a lawyer to help the community in legal matters, were he to win in GE14.
“I will give free legal services to the community – not only for the people of Sri Tanjung, but also to anyone in the country. I want to give back to society, just as my father had taught me,” he added.