KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong has rubbished a claim that he received RM2mil to settle an assault case involving wanted fugitive Nicky Liow.

       “This is not true. It is a blatant lie. Whoever is behind this blog is seeking to harm my reputation,” he told a press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday.

       An online blog claimed on Twitter that Chong had received the sum through his lawyer to settle a case in which Liow was accused of assaulting Rela personnel in 2017.

       Chong said he would not hesitate to take legal action against the blog owner if the person could be identified.

       “I challenge the blog owner or writer to come forward. The person is nothing but a coward for making such a baseless allegation,” he added.

       He said the blog owner, who also claimed to have proof of the RM2mil payment, should not be afraid to step forward if this was the case.

       “As for me, I have nothing to hide. I did not do the things that the blog alleged,” he said.

       Recalling the assault case, Chong said three lawyers – Datuk Michael Wong, PY Leong and James Ee – held a watching brief for Rela during Liow’s trial in 2018.

       “These lawyers would not have any jurisdiction to determine the course of the case,” he added.

       Chong also urged Liow to come home and face the law.

       Chong’s lawyer Datuk Theng Book, who was present at the press conference, urged the authorities to act against the online blog which he said had defamed others as well.

       “We hope the public will not believe such unverified news. We believe this blog owner or writer has a personal agenda,” he said.

       The online blog’s post stated, among others, that Chong and two others should be detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) in connection with the case involving the “Nicky Gang”.

       In 2017, Liow was detained for allegedly assaulting three Rela members outside a temple in Kampung Baru Ampang, Selangor.

       Earlier this year, several dozen members of the Nicky Gang were detained along with enforcement officers under Liow’s payroll in major swoops.

       Liow, who is wanted by police, is believed to be in hiding over alleged money laundering activities and involvement in organised crime.

       On Sept 30, the Shah Alam High Court granted 14 individuals, including four Chinese nationals and two younger brothers of Liow, a discharge not amounting to an acquittal for charges of being involved with Nicky Gang.