Akmal to sell beloved motorcycle, tilapia to pay RM300,000 to Teresa Kok

Dr. Akmal Saleh, the Umno Youth Chief, has opened a fundraising appeal for two cherished possessions - his Honda X-ADV motorcycle and his tilapia fish farming - to help cover a RM300,000 judgment against him. This comes after a Melaka High Court ruling ordered him to pay RM250,000 to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok for a defamation case, along with a further RM50,000 in legal fees.

Akmal explained in a Facebook post that he reluctantly opened the appeal due to the judgment exceeding his savings. He emphasized that both assets were already paid for and could be sold, noting he lacked land or property to release for the full amount. Akmal expressed reluctance to burden others and preferred to attempt the fundraising independently.

He stated that serious inquiries must include a RM100 deposit, which would be refunded if unsuccessful. Akmal showed respect for the court's decision and willingness to comply, setting aside the RM300,000 as a significant sum he is prepared to bear personally. The defamation case arose from Akmal's September 2024 statement opposing Kok's proposal to make halal certificates mandatory for non-pork and non-alcohol food establishments.

The court also ordered Akmal to remove the inflammatory statement from his social media and prohibited him from repeating similar remarks against Kok.