COMMENT The dirty and unfair Malaysian election system has deteriorated relentlessly - as indicated in the current by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar, where election offences are wantonly and openly committed with seeming impunity.

In the current by-elections, the foul election tactics have obviously moved up to a higher notch.

In addition to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak pouring out his endless goodies (read bribery) in the form of cash and projects, Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Home Minister Zahid Hamidi has now resorted to coercion.