Malaysia's Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has confirmed that businessman Nicky Liow paid a RM10 million compound and forfeited assets before 26 money laundering charges against him were withdrawn, according to NST Online.
The AGC said the withdrawal of the charges was conditional on Liow settling the compound and surrendering the assets, the outlet reports. The confirmation follows public criticism over the decision to drop the charges, with several non-governmental organisations demanding the Attorney General explain the move, NST Online adds.
The case stems from charges brought against Liow, who had faced 26 counts related to money laundering. The AGC's statement clarifies the financial terms attached to the resolution, though it does not detail the specific assets forfeited or the timeline of the payments, based on the reporting available.
The South China Morning Post reports that the development has sparked anger in Malaysia, where observers have questioned why a fine and asset forfeiture were deemed sufficient for charges of this nature. The AGC's explanation, as carried by Malaysiakini and The Star, confirms the payment and forfeiture but has not addressed broader concerns about the legal reasoning behind the decision.
The withdrawal of charges against Liow is not the first time the AGC has faced scrutiny over high-profile criminal cases, though the agency has not commented beyond its official statement on this matter.
What to watch next is whether the AGC provides a fuller explanation of its decision-making process, particularly in response to the NGOs' demand for accountability.
