Bersama co-founder Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has admitted that he was among two people detained by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on suspicion of khalwat in Petaling Jaya on Oct 15, expressing regret over his lapse in judgment.
Nik Nazmi said 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 previously reported that a former minister had been detained 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 subsequently went viral on social media.
Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad confirmed the arrest.
Explaining the circumstances leading to the incident, Nik Nazmi said he and his friends had initially gathered for a discussion at their studio in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, before deciding to continue the meeting in Petaling Jaya to review materials related to their project.
However, by the time Jais officers arrived, only he and the woman were present.
The former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister apologised to his wife, family and everyone affected by his lapse in judgment.
He also pledged to cooperate fully with any legal proceedings arising from the case.
Nik Nazmi apologised to Bersama members and supporters for letting them down, acknowledging that the incident had affected the party. He said he would accept any decision made by its leadership.
He further urged all parties to respect the legal process and refrain from conducting a trial through the media.
