COMMENT | With 945 candidates in the fray for 222 seats, it is a mixed group of serious contenders, new kids on the block, turncoats, frogs who have changed their allegiance, some “planted”, some sponsored, and a few seeking their five minutes of fame.

There are some with qualifications from the best universities in the United Kingdom but there is also a handful with doctorates purchased from a degree mill and they think having a prefix to their names will impress the voters.

But it could be costly for many – RM10,000 will be gone if they fail to poll 10 percent of the total votes cast. Who cares if the money is not yours?

It’s worth the investment. There are many who have received benefits several times over what they spent. If you win, there’s a likelihood of a place in the cabinet and other positions, including ambassadorial appointments.

Even if you lose, there are at least 300 seats on the boards of GLCs and statutory bodies, giving you...