"Truthfully, RM300,000 is a very large sum for me," said the UMNO leader.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said he would not ask for donations but would auction off his possessions to raise RM300,000 to pay Seputeh MP Teresa Kok after losing a defamation lawsuit
In a Facebook post today, 21 October, Akmal said he respected the court's decision in the defamation case and thanked his followers for their words of encouragement, prayers, and support.
However, he admitted that he could not afford the RM300,000 in damages and legal costs he owes Kok, as he does not have enough savings to cover the amount.
"There are people who suggested opening a donation fund to help me settle the damages and costs amounting to RM300,000. I truly appreciate your sincerity and concern.
"I will fully shoulder the responsibility of settling this amount. However, please allow me to try on my own first.
"As long as I still have possessions that I can let go of, allow me to work on that first.
"Because of this, with a heavy heart, I am opening up bidding for my two beloved assets: a Honda X-ADV motorcycle and farmed tilapia fish," he said.
The 38-year-old politician said he does not own any land or houses that he could sell to raise the money
Although he was saddened to part with the two possessions, Akmal said he would rather sell them than ask others to help cover his damages and legal costs.
"It is hard to part with something we love. However, it would be even harder for me if I had to burden others when I still have my own possessions that I can utilise.
"For serious bidders, you may deposit RM100 into my account, then send the receipt along with the asset you wish to bid for and your offer amount," he said.
He added that anyone who failed to win the auction would receive a full refund of their RM100 deposit.
On Monday, 19 October, the Melaka High Court ordered Akmal to pay Kok RM250,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs over remarks that harmed her reputation.
The lawsuit stemmed from remarks Akmal made in September 2024, when he called Kok an "old nyonya" and suggested that she put a "non-halal" label on her forehead.
Read Akmal's full post here:
FOLLOW SAYS