Melaka polls will miss Nik Nazmi’s campaign
KUALA LUMPUR: BERSAMA has officially suspended its Deputy President, Nik Nazmi, for three months after his arrest on khalwat (close proximity) charges. Nik Nazmi was detained by enforcement officers from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) for allegedly being in close proximity with an unrelated female. After reviewing the incident, BERSAMA issued a formal statement announcing his suspension from party duties from October 20 through January 10 next year.
The suspension’s timing means Nik Nazmi will be sidelined during the campaign period for the upcoming Melaka State Election. Political analysts note that the impact of his absence on BERSAMA’s election campaign will become clearer once candidate nominations are officially finalised.
Addressing rumours of political sabotage, JAIS Director Datuk Sallehuddin Zaiden clarified that the arrest was not a pre-planned operation or a targeted setup against the politician.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR Vice President Amirudin Shari said the state government has no role in framing or targeting political opponents, emphasising that the administration remains focused on its duties and governance responsibilities.
Following JAIS’s announcement, Nik Nazmi publicly acknowledged the arrest and apologised to his family, party members, and those affected. In his statement, he expressed regret over the incident, admitting that he had misjudged the situation at the time.
