Stop transferring money to my account: Akmal Saleh [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has requested the public to refrain from depositing funds into his personal bank account, stating he does not wish to feel responsible for their kindness. He disclosed he has received RM45,102.18 from supporters aiming to aid him in covering the RM300,000 in damages and expenses following a defamation lawsuit filed by DAP veteran Teresa Kok.

Akmal expressed regret for having previously shared his bank account number in a prior post. He emphasized that the donations are not intended for personal purchases like motorcycles or tilapia fish, but to support his cause. As of his statement, he has received RM45,102.18 and is deeply appreciative. However, his objective was to first utilize his own assets, such as his motorcycle and fish, before seeking financial help.

Akmal emphasized he bears the responsibility of the payment and seeks only prayers from everyone. He offered to provide details regarding a Honda X-ADV motorcycle for those interested in purchasing it, should they message him directly. On Monday, the Melaka High Court ruled in favor of Kok in her defamation case against Akmal, ordering him to pay RM250,000 in general and aggravated damages, along with RM50,000 in legal fees.

The lawsuit pertained to Akmal's remarks about Kok in a TikTok video in September 2024, following her criticism of a proposal mandating halal certification for eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol. The court also mandated Akmal to remove the video from his social media platforms within a week and prohibited him from disseminating or broadcasting the defamatory statements or anything similar.