PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has raised almost RM180,000 through the auction of his motorcycle and tilapia to help pay the RM300,000 he owes Seputeh MP Teresa Kok after losing his defamation suit.
In a Facebook post, Akmal said he would combine the auction proceeds with his family’s savings to pay the damages and legal costs owed to Kok, adding that he expects to settle the amount by next week.
"My beloved Honda X-ADV motorcycle has been sold for RM150,000, while the sale of all the fish in my pond has raised almost RM30,000. This brings the total proceeds from the sales to (close to) RM180,000," he said.
Akmal also shared a video in which he thanked the public for their donations, despite having repeatedly urged supporters not to contribute.
"Even today, there are many who have given donations. There was one who gave RM5,000," he said.
Akmal denied that the auction was a publicity stunt to solicit donations, saying he only intended to sell his assets to raise the money needed to pay Kok as his savings were insufficient.
He said he would seek donors’ permission to redistribute contributions he received to those in greater need.
"I will share details of how every sen is distributed on my social media accounts. Words cannot express my gratitude for all your kindness," he said.
Akmal lost his defamation case on Monday after the Melaka High Court ruled in Kok’s favour, requiring him to pay RM250,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs.
The case originated from his remarks in September 2024, in which he called her an "old nyonya" and suggested that a "non-halal" label be placed on her forehead.
This followed her warning that Akmal’s proposal to require halal certification for restaurants and food businesses that did not serve pork or alcohol could burden them, especially smaller operations.