Businessman Liow Soon Hee, better known as Nicky Liow, paid a RM10 million compound to resolve 26 money laundering charges after the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) accepted legal representations on his behalf and subsequently withdrew all counts against him. The AGC confirmed the settlement in an official statement, emphasising that the decision was reached independently, without external pressure, and in full accordance with Malaysian law.
AGC Exercised Constitutional Discretion After Reviewing Two Formal Representation Letters
The AGC stated that the withdrawal of charges against Nicky Liow followed a detailed review of representation letters submitted by his legal counsel, Tetuan Rajpal, Firah & Vishnu, dated December 15, 2022, and April 6, 2023. The decision was made pursuant to the Attorney General’s discretionary powers under the Federal Constitution.
Liow had faced 26 charges 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, where he was charged on April 12, 2022. The case had been scheduled across multiple hearing dates spanning July, August, and September 2023.
RM10 Million Compound Paid on May 29, 2023, Alongside Asset Forfeiture and Bond Seizure
Following the AGC’s acceptance of the legal representations, a compound settlement of RM10 million was offered to Nicky Liow, which he accepted and paid in full on May 29, 2023. The settlement extended beyond the monetary payment: it also included the forfeiture of a bond valued at RM647,366 and the confiscation of assets seized during the course of investigations.
Pursuant to Section 92 of Act 613, the AGC proceeded to withdraw all 26 charges. On June 15, 2023, the Shah Alam Sessions Court formally ordered that Liow be released and acquitted of all counts. The AGC stressed that Liow’s release was not unconditional — it followed the fulfilment of every legal requirement stipulated under the law.
AGC Rejects Claims of Impropriety, Cites Evidence-Based Process Free From External Influence
The AGC’s statement directly addressed public discourse that had emerged following an article published by Free Malaysia Today on August 5, 2026, titled “30 CSOs urge AG to explain DNAA for Nicky Liow.” The chambers reiterated that the decision to withdraw charges was not equivalent to a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), and that Liow was not released without legal consequence.
The AGC stated that the process was conducted professionally and with integrity, based on substantial evidence obtained through comprehensive investigations. The chambers emphasised that no external pressure or public sentiment influenced the outcome, and that transparency and justice were upheld throughout in accordance with existing Malaysian laws.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nicky Liow Money Laundering Case
Who is Nicky Liow? Nicky Liow is the commonly used name of businessman Liow Soon Hee, who faced 26 charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613) at the Shah Alam Sessions Court.
How much did Nicky Liow pay to settle the money laundering charges? Nicky Liow paid a compound of RM10 million, which he accepted and paid in full on May 29, 2023, as part of a settlement agreed to by the Attorney General’s Chambers.
What were the charges against Nicky Liow? Nicky Liow faced 26 charges under Section 4 of Act 613, which relates to money laundering offences. He was charged at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on April 12, 2022.
Why did the AGC withdraw the 26 money laundering charges against Nicky Liow? The AGC withdrew the charges after conducting a detailed review of two formal representation letters submitted by Liow’s lawyers — Tetuan Rajpal, Firah & Vishnu — dated December 15, 2022, and April 6, 2023. The decision was made using the Attorney General’s discretionary powers under the Federal Constitution.
Was Nicky Liow acquitted without conditions? No. The acquittal was conditional on the fulfilment of all legal requirements, including payment of the RM10 million compound, forfeiture of a bond worth RM647,366, and the confiscation of assets seized during investigations.
What is a compound settlement in Malaysian law? Under Section 92 of Act 613, the AGC has the authority to offer a compound — a financial settlement — in lieu of continued prosecution. Once the compound is accepted and paid, the AGC is empowered to withdraw the related charges.
Did political or public pressure influence the AGC’s decision? The AGC stated explicitly that the decision was made independently, based on evidence obtained through comprehensive investigations, and was not influenced by external pressure or public sentiment.
About the Author
