COMMENT | Candidates standing for elections to parliamentary seats in Malaysia must abide by a spending cap of RM200,000. This fact is well-known.

It is also well-known that there is a multitude of loopholes to this cap, including the lack of limits on the campaigns of political parties or other organisations during elections.

It is hardly a surprise for a by-election in Malaysia featuring one of the most prominent politicians in the country’s history to have a certain flair and extravagance.

It seems there is no shortage of supporters ready to go all out to campaign for their candidate.

However, it is crucial that all stakeholders involved in the election campaigns are aware of and abide by the restrictions in the Election Offences Act....