PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has urged the public to stop transferring money into his bank account after receiving donations from people who did not intend to buy the assets he put up for auction to raise RM300,000 to pay Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.
In a Facebook post, Akmal said he removed his bank account number from his earlier post, where he announced that he was putting up his motorcycle and farmed tilapia for auction.
“I kindly ask that you stop transferring money into my account, as I feel guilty accepting all these contributions.
“I am extremely grateful, but my intention was to first try to raise funds by selling my assets, namely my motorcycle and fish,” he said.
He said he had received more than RM45,000 in donations in his account.
He also said he did not wish to burden anyone by asking for their help, and took full responsibility for the defamation suit he lost.
“For those interested in buying my Honda X-ADV motorcycle, I will provide the details soon. You may also message me directly,” he said.
Earlier, Akmal thanked those who suggested that he set up a donation fund, but said he wanted to try raising the money himself first.
He said his savings were insufficient to cover the RM300,000, and he did not own any land or house he could sell to make up the shortfall.
The motorcycle and tilapia were his only assets that had been fully paid for and could be sold, he said.
Akmal invited serious bidders to pay a RM100 deposit into his bank account and submit the payment receipt, along with details of the asset they wished to bid for and their offer.
He said the deposit would be refunded in full if a bid was unsuccessful.
On Monday, the Melaka High Court ruled in Kok's favour over remarks Akmal made in a TikTok video concerning her views to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food businesses that did not serve pork or alcohol.
The court ordered Akmal to pay RM250,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs.