KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Former Setiawangsa Member of Parliament Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has confirmed that he was one of two individuals detained by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) on suspicion of khalwat in Petaling Jaya last Thursday.
In a statement on Instagram, the Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) leader said he would cooperate with any legal proceedings.
He also apologised to Bersama for disappointing its members and supporters, and said he was prepared to accept whatever decision the party made.
“I would like to apologise to my wife, family and everyone affected by the lapse in judgement during an incident that should not have happened,” he said.
Nik Nazmi said he had initially held a discussion with friends at a studio in Brickfields here before deciding to continue it in Petaling Jaya to review materials related to the project under discussion.
He acknowledged that only he and the woman were present when JAIS officers arrived.
“As I also informed the JAIS officers, we did not engage in any improper conduct that could give rise to suspicion,” he said.
He urged all parties to respect the legal process and refrain from prolonging the matter through the media.
Yesterday, JAIS confirmed that two individuals had been detained in connection with a suspected khalwat offence involving a political leader in the Petaling district at 6 pm on Oct 15.
The two were detained to assist investigations under Section 29 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, which provides for a maximum fine of RM3,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
-- BERNAMA