PETALING JAYA: Former Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has confirmed that he was among two people detained by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in Petaling Jaya on Thursday over an alleged khalwat offence.
The Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) leader said he and his associates had initially met at a studio in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, before moving to Petaling Jaya to review materials related to the project they were discussing.
Nik Nazmi acknowledged that only he and a woman were present when JAIS enforcement officers arrived, adding that he accepted that this constituted an offence.
He said, however, that he had informed the officers that they had not engaged in any improper conduct that would give rise to suspicion.
Earlier, JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad confirmed that two individuals had been detained to assist in an investigation into an alleged khalwat case involving a public figure in the Petaling district.
He said the arrests were made at about 6 pm.
Nik Nazmi said he did not wish to prolong the matter and would cooperate fully with any legal proceedings.
He apologised to his wife, their families and everyone affected by the lapse in judgement, describing it as an incident that should not have occurred.
He also apologised to his party for disappointing its members and supporters, acknowledging that the issue reflected poorly on Bersama, and said he would accept whatever decision the party made.
He urged all parties to respect the legal process and refrain from prolonging the matter through the media.