{
  "id": 15150820,
  "title": "‘We have better things to do than orchestrate khalwat raids’ - Amirudin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/we-have-better-things-to-do-than-orchestrate-khalwat-raids-amirudin",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/128461/we-have-better-things-to-do-than-orchestrate-khalwat-raids-amirudin"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Malaysian politician Amirudin Shari was arrested by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) for khalwat, a term referring to close proximity or intimate association. However, PKR party leader and Vice-President Amirudin Shari has firmly denied any attempt by his party to exploit the arrest of political figures as a means to undermine opponents. Shari emphasized that the party does not use personal matters as the basis for political rivalry or confrontation, stating that they have better things to do than orchestrate such incidents.\n\nNik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, confirmed his involvement in the arrest alongside Amirudin. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability is responsible for overseeing environmental conservation efforts and sustainability policies in Malaysia.\n\nAmirudin, who also serves as the Election Director for Pakatan Harapan (PH), revealed that his party is currently finalizing several crucial decisions ahead of the upcoming Melaka State Election (PRN). He expects to have a clearer direction regarding the election within a week. PH plans to field strong candidates, with the selection process currently in its final screening stage. The party intends to put forward individuals who have served the community and possess relevant experience, particularly in constituencies where their support base might be relatively lower. This approach serves as a long-term strategy for both the party and Pakatan Harapan, aimed at strengthening their presence in the political landscape.",
  "summary": "PKR has denied allegations that the party is exploiting the arrest of political leaders for khalwat (close proximity) as a tactic to weaken its opponents. Its Vice-President, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, asserted that PKR does not use personal matters ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "'We have better things to do than set up khalwat traps' – Amirudin",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/we-have-better-things-to-do-than-set-up-khalwat-traps-amirudin",
        "published": "2026-10-17T06:54:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "‘That is not our job’: Amirudin rejects claims PKR plotted khalwat trap",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/that-is-not-our-job-amirudin-rejects-claims-pkr-plotted-khalwat-trap",
        "published": "2026-10-17T09:16:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}