KUALA LUMPUR May 19 FMT news –The two Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers arrested over alleged links to fugitive businessman Nicky Liow last month were freed on police bail last night, their lawyer Zaid Malek said.
He said the bail was offered pending the outcome of police investigations.
“They could be charged for criminal offences if prosecutors feel they have sufficient evidence,” he added.
On May 5, the two anti-graft officers, aged 41 and 42, filed a habeas corpus application seeking their immediate release from detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012 over alleged links to the Nicky Gang organised crime syndicate.
The two named Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, another police officer, the inspector-general of police, the home minister and the Malaysian government as respondents.
Zaid said applications were scheduled to be heard on May 24.
“I will be taking further instruction from them on how to proceed with the applications following their release on police bail,” he said.
The men said their arrest and detention on April 21 and April 27 were in breach of procedures, law and did not come under the jurisdiction of the Johor police district.
They also claimed that the investigations covered a wide range of elements and the respondents had no basis to detain them under Sosma.
They also claimed that there was no justification for the use of Sosma and their detention was invalid, unlawful and mala fide because it contradicted Federal Constitution provisions.
On April 27, Ayob Khan said police had arrested 10 police personnel and two MACC officers. He said they were being investigated for fraud and money laundering.
On May 5, all the police officers were freed on bail. Most of them had also filed a writ of habeas to challenge their detention.
All detainees were picked up in Kuala Lumpur but later taken to Johor Bahru for investigations.
Liow, 33, the founder of Winner Dynasty Group based in Setiawalk Puchong, Selangor is wanted by the police after 68 of the gang members were arrested from March 20 to 28.
Recent reports said investigations showed that Liow was last seen at Setiawalk on March 20. He is believed to be hiding in the country and is on the run with several bags of cash.
Police have obtained an Interpol Red Notice to locate and arrest him and his Chinese assistant, Niu Zhi, 31.
On April 9, Liow and his brother were charged in absentia at the Petaling Jaya sessions court for alleged involvement in an organised crime group.
