Akmal thanked those who had offered to set up a donation fund to help him meet the payment, but said he wanted to raise the money by selling his own belongings first.
PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh plans to auction his Honda motorcycle and farmed tilapia to raise RM300,000 in damages and legal costs awarded to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in a defamation suit.
In a Facebook post, Akmal thanked those who had offered to set up a donation fund to help him meet the payment, but said he wanted to raise the money by selling his own belongings first.
READ MORE: Court orders Akmal to pay Teresa Kok RM300,000 in defamation suit
“I respect the court’s decision and am prepared to comply with its order. I will take full responsibility for paying the amount,” he said.
Akmal acknowledged that his savings were insufficient to cover the sum, adding that he did not own any land or property that he could sell to make up the difference.
He said his motorcycle and tilapia were the only assets he owned outright that could be put up for sale.
“It is painful to part with something we love. But it would pain me even more to burden others when I still have possessions of my own that I can try to sell,” he said.
Akmal appealed to interested bidders to pay a RM100 deposit into his bank account and submit the payment receipt, together with details of the asset they wished to bid for and their offer.
He said the deposit would be refunded in full to anyone whose bid was unsuccessful.
The auction plan follows a Melaka High Court ruling on Monday in favour of Kok over remarks Akmal made in a TikTok video about her opposition to making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food businesses that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Kok had expressed concern that the proposal could place an additional burden on businesses, particularly smaller operators.
In response, Akmal referred to her as an “old nyonya” and suggested that a “non-halal” label be placed on her forehead.
The court ordered Akmal to pay RM250,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs.