UMNO Youth chief Datuk Muhammad Akmal Saleh is determined to pay up his RM300,000 defamation fine with monies from an auction. Both the items that he is auctioning off – tilapia fishes and Honda X-ADV motorcycle have been taken up by bidders.
“My beloved Honda X-ADV motorcycle has been sold for RM150,000 yesterday, 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.
The amount plus his savings would be adequate to pay the fine next week.
He also thanked the donors even though he is determined to use his savings and funds from the auction to settle the fine that was imposed for defaming Seputeh MP Teresa Kok of the DAP.
In addition to that he also revealed that he received over RM173,733.61 in donation
“I am clueless. I don’t have anything to say aside from thank you. I did not expect the public would contribute this much to me. I don’t want to use it since I have to take the full responsibility.”
This was why he wanted to sell of his assets instead of using public donations.
Addressing his donors, he said: “I would like your permission to donate the total amount of RM173,733.61 to the needy.”
“We will use the funds to repair the house of an uncle. I will use the money to help a child in need of treatment costs.
He added that he would share the details on the funds via Facebook.
Akmal lost his defamation case on Oct 19, 2026 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 Kok an “nyonya tua” and suggested that a “non-halal” label be placed on her forehead.
Akmal’s condescending statement was made as Kok opposed a suggestion to make halal certification mandatory to all F&B businesses that did not sell alcohol and pork.
Kok’s opposition is based on the fact that a mandatory requirement would create a negative impact on small scale operators including those from the Malay community.
Akmal is the second UMNO leader who lost a defamation suit. Previously it was Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Jamal Yunos.
He was sued as he claimed that Kok misappropriated funds from the Selangor state government for the needy.
In a related development, former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim urged Akmal to appeal against the ruling for the sake of freedom of speech and national harmony. — Oct 23, 2026
Main Image: Akmal Saleh, Facebook Reels
