Malaysia's Nik Nazmi apologises after khalwat raid at Petaling Jaya residence

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, a former Malaysian government minister, has apologised after being present during a khalwat raid—an enforcement action against close proximity between unmarried individuals—at a private residence in Petaling Jaya. The ex-minister said he was at the location to discuss a project with a woman when the religious authorities conducted their operation. In a statement following the incident, Nik Nazmi acknowledged that his presence at the residence constituted a lapse in judgment, though he maintained the purpose of the visit was work-related. Khalwat raids are conducted by religious enforcement agencies in Malaysia to enforce Islamic religious laws in certain states, and such operations have periodically drawn public scrutiny. The incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the enforcement action and Nik Nazmi's account of events at the time of the raid.