Norman and Memey freed of Khalwat

Controversial actor and actress couple, Norman and Memey, who were charged with committing "khalwat" (close proximity) three years ago, breathed a sigh of relief today after the Gombak Timur Syariah Lower Court acquitted and discharged them from the charge. They regarded the decision by Syariah judge Salehan Yatim as an early wedding gift. Their wedding will be held in September. "No words can describe our feeling. We are grateful to God. Only those in our situation will understand," said Norman, with Memey besides him, when met outside the court. Norman or his real name Mohamed Norhakim Zaidon, 35, and Memey, or Suhaizah Suhaimi, 23, were charged with committing the offence at Norman's office at Taman Ukay Perdana, Hulu Klang, at 3am on Oct 30, 2008. They were charged under Section 29 (1) (a) and section 29 (1) (b) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 which provided a jail term of up to two years or fine or up to RM3,000 or both, upon conviction. In his judgment, Salehan said the prosecution, represented by Syariah prosecutor Siti Fatimah Maulana, had failed to establish there was prima facie in the case. He said the court found that the prosecution only succeeded in proving one of the four elements in the charge, which was identifying the man and woman in the case based on their identity cards. However, he said, the prosecution failed to prove that the couple was together when they were arrested. Salehan said six prosecution witnesses were called to testify and they gave conflicting testimony on the matter. "Only the sixth witness (complainant) said that he saw Norman and Memey together and then saw Norman ran by climbing up to the top floor," he added. Norman and Memey, who were represented by Syariah lawyer Mohd Fakhrul Abu Hassan, arrived together at the court at 9.30am and were seen taking the marriage form before leaving the court premises.