Haziq Abdul Aziz, the man who confessed to having gay sex with Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali, has been arrested.

The Malaysian Insight reported that the former Santubong Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth leader was arrested on July 14 night, along with five other people, including a PKR division leader.

"Alliance" behind videos

The arrests followed a July 13 statement by Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador that there was evidence of an "alliance" behind the production and circulation of the videos, The Star reported.

Under investigation for distribution of pornography

All six people were brought to Malaysia's Magistrate's court on July 15 morning.

A six-day remand order was issued against them.

The Malaysian Insight further reported that they are being investigated for distributing pornography, under Section 233 of Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Should they be found guilty, the charge carries a maximum fine of up to RM50,000 (S$16,500), a jail term of up to one year, or both.

The Star reported that Haziq is also being investigated under Section 377B of the Malaysian Penal Code for engaging in carnal intercourse against the order of nature.

Should he be found guilty under Section 377B, Haziq faces a sentence of up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping.

Possibility of politicians involved in the plot

Hamid elaborated about the "alliance" behind the videos: "No (we don't know who is the mastermind yet), but there are hints (bayang-bayang) of an alliance (pakatan) behind it."

Hamid did not rule out the possibility that politicians and a non-governmental organisation could also be involved in the plot, The Malay Mail further reported.

He added that evidence of a conspiracy aimed at toppling someone had been found.

"In this case, we have found evidence of a conspiracy and a plot by certain quarters in the production and circulation of the sex video implicating a minister (aimed) to topple someone."

As for the investigation into the videos themselves, Hamid stated that the police was still waiting for lab results to determine their authenticity.

Malaysians want to know who mastermind is

On July 16, prime-minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim weighed in on the matter.

He said Malaysians were keen to know who the mastermind was, and if the videos are real, The Star further reported.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "The investigations are under the purview of the police. There are two phases: Is the video genuine, and who was the one who spread it."

Both Haziq, prior to being fired, and Azmin are from Anwar's party.

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Top image from Haziq Aziz Facebook