Former Malaysian minister Nik Nazmi apologized for a khalwat (close proximity) incident after being detained by Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) on October 15, 2026, with a woman at a Petaling Jaya residence.
The Incident and Legal Context
Nik Nazmi, leader of Parti Bersama Malaysia, admitted to being detained by JAIS along with a woman at a Petaling Jaya residence on October 15, 2026, after a discussion about a project. A five-member JAIS team entered the residence, finding the pair inside. NST Online reported the 44-year-old politician was taken to JAIS headquarters for documentation. Under Section 29 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, conviction could lead to a RM3,000 fine, two years in prison, or both.
The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. at a residence in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, according to reports in Astro Awani. A source stated that a five-member JAIS enforcement team entered the location and found the 44-year-old politician and the woman inside. Both were subsequently taken to the JAIS office in Shah Alam for documentation, as confirmed by multiple outlets, including The Vibes and The Rakyat Post. The woman is believed to be the founder of an NGO, as reported by Mothership.sg.
Nik Nazmi’s Apology and Explanation
Nik Nazmi acknowledged his lapse in judgement
in a public statement, apologizing to his wife, family, and Bersama party members. He claimed the meeting with the woman—described as an NGO founder by Malay Mail—was professional, stating, We did not engage in any improper conduct.
He added, I admit that this was an offence,
while emphasizing no indecent acts occurred.
Nik Nazmi, who serves as the head of Parti Bersama Malaysia, explained that he and his colleagues initially discussed a project at a studio in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, before moving to Petaling Jaya to review materials related to the initiative. When JAIS officials arrived, only he and the woman were present. He admitted the situation constituted an offense but maintained they did not engage in any conduct that could raise suspicion. Free Malaysia Today reported his statement.
JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad reiterated that the department advises Muslims against public speculation or slander. The Star quoted him as saying, In this regard, Jais advises Muslims against humiliating any individual by making them the subject of speculation, debate or slander in any form.
The statement aligns with JAIS’s broader guidance to avoid unverified claims during ongoing investigations, as noted in The Rakyat Post.
Uncertainties in Alleged Khalwat Case
Details about the woman remain unspecified in official statements. The Vibes noted uncertainty about whether he held a central or state-level position.
Nik Nazmi pledged cooperation with legal processes, stating, I will give my cooperation to any legal process.
His case highlights the strict enforcement of khalwat laws in Malaysia, where such offenses carry significant penalties.
The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) confirmed the arrest of two individuals over an alleged khalwat offense involving a public figure in Petaling at 6 p.m. yesterday. JAIS director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad stated the individuals were detained to assist investigations under Section 29 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995. Conviction under this provision could result in a fine of up to RM3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, as reported by NST Online.
The woman involved is believed to be the founder of an NGO, according to Mothership.sg and The Star. The Rakyat Post noted that it is unclear whether the individual holds a central or state-level position or serves as an elected representative.
Nik Nazmi’s statement emphasized his commitment to cooperating with legal proceedings and urged all parties to respect the process. He also apologized to Bersama, acknowledging that his actions had disappointed the party’s members and supporters. Free Malaysia Today reported his remarks, which included a call for the public to avoid prolonging the matter through media speculation.