Ex-Malaysian minister Nik Nazmi admits lapse in judgment after ‘khalwat’ arrest

Former Malaysian minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has admitted to a lapse in judgment following his arrest under Malaysia's strict Islamic moral code known as 'khalwat'. The arrest took place at a residence in Petaling Jaya, where he was detained alongside a woman. Nik Nazmi, now the head of Parti Bersama Malaysia, stated that they had initially planned to discuss a project at a studio in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, but shifted their meeting to the Petaling Jaya location.

When the Jais officials arrived, they found only the woman and him present. Nik Nazmi admitted that they did not engage in any improper conduct, emphasizing that their actions would not raise suspicion. He apologized to his wife, both their families, and others affected by his actions, which he described as "a lapse in judgment".

Nik Nazmi also expressed regret to Bersama, the party he represents, for disappointing its members and supporters, promising to accept whatever decision the party made. A 44-year-old politician was detained around 6 pm on Thursday, after a Jais enforcement team of five entered the residence, found the politician and the woman inside, and took them to the Jais office in Shah Alam for documentation.

Jais director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad announced that the two have been detained under Section 29 of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1995, with penalties including a fine, imprisonment, or both.