Nik Nazmi admits being detained for khalwat, apologises to wife, Bersama

PETALING JAYA: Bersama co-founder Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has admitted to being one of two people detained by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on suspicion of khalwat (close proximity) on Oct 15, saying he regretted his lapse in judgment.

Nik Nazmi said that he was with a woman when Jais officers arrived at the location.

"I admit that it was a mistake. As I also informed the Jais officer, we indeed did not commit any indecent acts that would raise suspicion," he said in a statement.

It was reported that a former minister was arrested by Jais on suspicion of khalwat in Petaling Jaya.

Photographs and video clips showing the 44-year-old politician and a woman, believed to be the founder of a non-governmental organisation, being escorted into a van went viral on social media.

Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad confirmed the arrest.

Nik Nazmi said he and his friends had initially started a discussion at their studio in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, before deciding to continue it in Petaling Jaya to view materials related to their project.

The former natural resources and environmental sustainability (NRES) minister said that by the time Jais officers arrived, only he and the woman were present.

Nik Nazmi apologised to his wife, family and everyone affected by his lapse in judgment during the incident. He added that he would fully cooperate with any legal process.

He also apologised to Bersama members and supporters for letting them down, acknowledging that the issue had affected the party, and said he would accept any decision made by the leadership.

He urged all parties to respect the legal process and refrain from conducting a trial through the media.