PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged supporters to stop transferring money into his bank account after receiving nearly RM45,102 in unsolicited contributions, despite his intention to raise funds by selling his personal belongings to settle a court-ordered payment of RM300,000.
In a Facebook post, Akmal apologised for removing his bank account details from an earlier post after discovering that most of those who transferred money were making donations rather than bidding for his Honda X-ADV motorcycle or farmed tilapia.
“I apologise for having to withdraw my bank account number from my earlier post because almost everyone who transferred money into my account did so not to purchase my motorcycle or tilapia fish, but because they wanted to contribute to me.
“As of this statement, I have received almost RM45,102.18,” he said.
While expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, Akmal reiterated that he wanted to raise the money through his own efforts before accepting financial assistance from others.
“I am extremely grateful, but my intention is to first make an effort to sell my assets, namely my motorcycle and fish,” he said.
Akmal stressed that he did not want to burden anyone financially and remained determined to take full responsibility for settling the court-ordered payment.
“I sincerely do not want to trouble anyone to help me because I will take full responsibility, and God willing, I will bear the entire amount myself,” he said.
He also appealed to supporters not to make further transfers, saying the contributions had left him feeling guilty.
“Please do not transfer any more money into my account so that I do not feel guilty towards everyone.
“It is all right, I will bear it myself. All I need are your prayers,” he said.
Akmal added that those genuinely interested in purchasing his Honda X-ADV motorcycle could contact him directly, with further details of the sale to be announced.
Earlier today, Akmal announced that he was putting his motorcycle and farmed tilapia up for auction after admitting that his savings were insufficient to cover the RM300,000 payment.
The move followed a Melaka High Court ruling on Monday ordering him to pay Seputeh MP Teresa Kok RM250,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs in a defamation suit arising from their public dispute over halal certification in 2024.