The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) said the decision to withdraw 26 charges against businessman Nicky Liow Soon Hee was made after he paid a RM10 million compound in May 2023.
In a statement today, the AGC said Liow, through his lawyers Messrs Rajpal, Firah & Vishnu, had submitted representations dated Dec 15, 2022 and April 6, 2023, seeking to have all 26 charges compounded under Section 92 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) [Act 613].
The AGC said the representations were examined and reviewed in detail and, based on the overall evidence available as well as prosecutorial assessment and consideration, it agreed to offer a compound of RM10 million.
“The amount was agreed to by Liow and paid on May 29, 2023. In addition to the RM10 million compound payment, the settlement also included the forfeiture of a bond amounting to RM647,366 and the forfeiture of seized properties,” it said.
Following the payment, the AGC said it withdrew the charges against Liow in accordance with Section 92 of Act 613.
On June 15, 2023, the Shah Alam Sessions Court ordered Liow to be discharged and acquitted of all 26 charges.
The AGC said its statement was in response to an article titled “30 CSOs urge AG to explain DNAA for Nicky Liow” published by FMT on Aug 5, 2026.
It said the decision was made in accordance with the powers and discretion of the Attorney General under the Federal Constitution and relevant laws.
The AGC also stressed that the decision was made in accordance with the law and based on evidence from the investigation as a whole, without being influenced by external pressure or public sentiment, while taking into account the integrity of the prosecution process and the need to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system.
The AGC said Liow had not at any point been released without legal action being taken against him.
According to the AGC, Liow was charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on April 12, 2022 with 26 money laundering offences under Section 4 of the AMLATFPUAA 2001.
The case had been fixed for trial on July 6 and 31, 2023, Aug 1 to 3, Aug 7 to 10 and Sept 25 to 27, 2023.
