SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Islamic religious council (Mais) has denied allegations that the detention of Bersama co-founder Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad by the Selangor Islamic religious department (Jais) last Thursday in connection with an alleged khalwat case was an act of persecution or a frame-up.
Mais chairman Salehuddin Saidin said Jais had acted based on an official complaint and in accordance with established legal procedures, without manipulating the situation to target any individual.
“The suggestion that the religious department was involved in manipulation or anything of the sort is untrue. We have a legal obligation ... when a complaint is lodged, we are required to conduct a thorough investigation.
“Rest assured, Jais will carry out the investigation as diligently as possible, and if there is clear evidence, we will proceed with charges in court,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here today.
Salehuddin said the case was made public to clarify that shariah laws were enforced fairly, regardless of the background or influence of the individual under investigation.
He urged the public to allow Jais sufficient time and space to complete its investigation and refrain from speculation that could compromise the fairness of the legal process.
“We cannot pass judgment while the investigation is still incomplete. We must act fairly and carry out our duties in accordance with the regulations. If we were to act outside these regulations, we ourselves would be subject to accusations,” he said.
Earlier, Nik Nazmi confirmed in a statement on his Instagram account that he was one of two individuals detained by Jais in Petaling Jaya last Thursday over allegations of khalwat. He said he was prepared to cooperate with any legal proceedings.