Well, Zakir Naik claims that it is better to vote for corrupt Muslims over non-corrupt Muslims working with the kafirs (non-believers), citing the Quran.

The preacher further claims that it really does not matter if a non-corrupt Muslim leader provides a better existence. What is paramount is that Muslim unity trumps anything else.

Now, this is the dominant religious narrative in this country. Nearly every religious or political operative in this country who is facing some sanction from the state when it comes to corruption has sought shelter in this argument.

When Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim holds talks with the operatives from Umno, it is because he knows that this religious narrative allows Malay uber alles political operatives enough leeway to function without having to deal with the consequences of their actions.

When Najib confidently struts around, he and his handlers understand that this particular religious narrative allows the convicted criminal an avenue to reshape the political terrain in this country.

And guess what, when the Singapore government through their foreign minister meets up with Najib, it also legitimises this particular religious narrative.

Debate with Anwar

At the moment Najib is attempting to launder his reputation. It is an old political game but one which is difficult to play. There are two ways that Najib is doing this.

The first way is by winning elections. Winning elections does a couple of things.

First, it gives the impression, rightly or wrongly, that Najib and his coterie are powerful within Umno but more importantly, they have the support of the voting public.

Secondly, it allows Najib and his cabal the ability to silence dissent within Umno.

As long as Najib and Co are on a winning streak, nobody is going to rock the Umno boat because control of the gravy train is in play.

This also emboldens corrupt operators within the system because they understand that there are no independent institutions which would sanction their behaviour.

The second way Najib launders his reputation is by normalising his presence in the political mainstream. This is why he is so keen on debating all and sundry.

He scored a coup when he debated Anwar, who is not only the leader of the opposition but his rival – supposedly – to the throne of Putrajaya.

This is why Najib wants to debate Lim Kit Siang, the grand old man of Malaysian politics and a totem of opposition politics in this country.

By debating them, even if he loses, what this does, especially in the international press, is provide optics of not only his ascension but his rehabilitation because nobody is going to be nuanced about this.

This is also why he craves the attention of international personalities and political operatives.

By sanctioning an appearance with the convicted former prime minister, what Singapore did was help Najib launder his reputation.

This further defines his credibility, not only within Umno but also within a certain section of the voting public who, perhaps, were uncomfortable with a convicted felon leading the charge in a general election.

While a certain section of the voting public may feel let down by this turn of events, I think the most important point here is that Najib was dressed decently when he met Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan (top photo).

Cuepacs should be relieved.