By C. Khor
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 8: Businessman Liow Soon Hee, better known as Nicky Liow, had paid a RM10 million compound before the 26 charges against him were withdrawn, said the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
The AGC said Liow was not released at any time without legal action being taken against him.
It said Liow, through his lawyers, Tetuan Rajpal, Firah & Vishnu, submitted representations dated Dec 15, 2022 and April 6, 2023, seeking to have all 26 charges compounded under Section 92 of Act 613.
“The representations submitted by Nicky Liow were examined and considered in detail,” it said in a statement yesterday (Aug 7).
Based on all available information, as well as the prosecution’s assessment and consideration, the AGC agreed to offer Liow a compound of RM10 million.
Liow agreed to the compound and paid the sum on May 29, 2023.
In addition to the payment, the settlement also involved the forfeiture of a bond amounting to RM647,366 and the forfeiture of assets that had been seized.
Following the payment of the compound, the AGC withdrew the charges against Liow in accordance with Section 92 of Act 613.
On June 15, 2023, the Shah Alam Sessions Court ordered that Liow be released and acquitted of all 26 charges.
The AGC said the decision was consistent with the powers and discretion of the Attorney-General under the Federal Constitution and relevant laws.
It said the decision was made based on information arising from the investigation as a whole and was not influenced by external pressure or public sentiment.
“The decision was made based on information arising from the investigation as a whole, without being influenced by external pressure or public sentiment, while taking into consideration the integrity of the prosecution process and the need to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system,” it said.
The AGC’s statement was issued in response to an article titled “30 CSOs urge AG to explain DNAA for Nicky Liow”, published by a news portal on Aug 5, in which 30 civil society organisations called on Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar to publicly explain the decision.
On April 12, 2022, Liow was charged with 26 offences involving money laundering of more than RM36 million under Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613) at the Shah Alam Sessions Court, according to reports.
The case was initially fixed for trial on July 6 and 31, August 1 to 3 and 7 to 10, and September 25 to 27, 2023.
Liow’s lawyer, Rajpal Singh, is expected to issue a statement on the matter next week.
WE