KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — 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.
It said that Liow, through his counsel from Messrs Rajpal, Firah & 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 representations were carefully reviewed, and following an assessment of the evidence and prosecutorial considerations, the AGC 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 the RM10 million payment, the settlement includes the forfeiture of a bond for RM647,366 and 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 the charges," it said in a statement today.
The AGC statement referred to an article titled "30 CSOs urge AG to explain DNAA for Nicky Liow" published by FMT on Wednesday (August 5).
It 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 said.
It emphasised that Liow was not at any point released without legal action being taken against him.
On April 12, 2022, he was charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with 26 counts of money laundering offences under Section 4 of Act 613.
The case had been fixed for trial on July 6 and July 31, 2023; August 1 to August 3, 2023; August 7 to August 10, 2023; and September 25 to September 27, 2023.
