BUSINESSMAN Nicky Liow Soon Hee has denied having any political affiliation with PKR, saying a photograph of him wearing an Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) shirt alongside Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should not be interpreted as proof of party membership.
Liow said the shirt he wore at the public event was purchased through a charity sale and was unrelated to any political involvement.
Speaking at a press conference today, Liow said he had never joined PKR nor submitted an application to become a party member, adding that the matter had also been clarified by PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Fuziah Salleh.
“I have never announced that I joined any political party, nor have I ever applied to become a PKR member,” he said.
The photograph, which circulated widely on social media, drew attention after Liow was seen wearing an AMK shirt while posing with Anwar, prompting speculation over his ties with the party.
Addressing the issue, Liow said he attended the event as a guest in his capacity as an entrepreneur and ordinary member of the public, rather than as a political figure.
He said the gathering was attended by about 3,000 people, including party members, representatives from various organisations, business figures and members of the public.
On why he was wearing an AMK shirt, Liow said it was purchased during a charity sale held at the event and should not be viewed as an indication of political membership.
“Buying and wearing a shirt sold at a public event does not mean someone has joined a political party,” he said.
Liow also dismissed suggestions that he was given special access or treatment because of the photograph with Anwar, saying the interaction took place at an open event where attendees had the opportunity to greet and take pictures with the prime minister.
“It was a public event. Many guests and members of the public had the opportunity to meet and take photographs with the prime minister,” he said.
He added that he had no plans to enter politics, saying his current focus remained on his business interests, including property development, construction and the food and beverage sector.
“I am focused on building my businesses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth,” he said.
Liow also responded to questions raised by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung over the photograph, saying elected representatives had the right to scrutinise issues, but such discussions should be based on verified information.
He said he respected public scrutiny but hoped the matter would not be prolonged based on assumptions arising from a single photograph.
On previous legal matters involving him, Liow said those cases had already gone through the judicial process and that his lawyers would provide further clarification on the relevant court decisions and documents.
He maintained that public discussions should remain focused on facts and context rather than speculation.
“Public scrutiny is important in a democracy, but it must be based on accurate information,” he said. – July 29, 2026
