Shah alam: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has clarified that the decision to withdraw 26 charges against businessman Nicky Liow Soon Hee was made after he paid a RM10 million compound in May 2023.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AGC stated that Liow, through his counsel from Messrs Rajpal, Firah and Vishnu, had submitted representation letters dated December 15, 2022, and April 6, 2023, applying for all 26 charges against him to be compounded under Section 92 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613).
The AGC mentioned that after a careful review of the representations, and following an assessment of the evidence and prosecutorial considerations, the chambers agreed to accept a RM10 million compound from Liow. The amount was agreed to by Liow and was paid on May 29, 2023. In addition to this payment, the settlement included the forfeiture of a bond for RM647,366 and the forfeiture of seized assets.
Further to the payment of the compound, in accordance with the provisions of Section 92 of Act 613, the chambers withdrew the charges against Liow. On June 15, 2023, the Shah Alam Sessions Court ordered Liow to be discharged and acquitted of all charges.
The AGC statement referred to an article titled "30 CSOs urge AG to explain DNAA for Nicky Liow" published by FMT on August 5, 2026. The AGC clarified that the decision taken was in accordance with the powers and discretion of the Attorney General under the Federal Constitution and relevant laws. It was also carried out in accordance with legal provisions, based on the totality of evidence from investigations, without being influenced by external pressure or public sentiment, taking into account the integrity of the prosecution process and the need to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system.
The AGC emphasized that Liow was not at any point released without legal action being taken against him. On April 12, 2022, Liow was charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with 26 counts of money laundering offenses under Section 4 of Act 613. The case had been fixed for trial on July 6 and 31, 2023; August 1 to 3, 2023; August 7 to 10, 2023; and September 25 to 27, 2023.