Teresa Kok Wins RM250,000 Defamation Suit Against Umno Youth Chief Akmal Saleh

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has won RM250,000 in general and aggravated damages in a defamation suit against Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, stemming from a social media dispute over halal certification policies, Free Malaysia Today reported. The Melaka High Court ruled that a video posted by Dr Akmal in September 2024 carried a severe defamatory sting, alleging that the DAP vice-chairman habitually and continually destabilised national harmony.

High Court Ruling and Damages

Judicial Commissioner Isa Aziz Ibrahim delivered the judgment on Oct 19, stating that Dr Akmal’s remarks went beyond legitimate political debate. The court ordered Dr Akmal to pay RM250,000 in damages alongside RM50,000 in legal costs. The judge also directed the Umno Youth chief to remove the offending video from his TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram accounts within seven days and barred him from publishing similar defamatory remarks.

Datuk Sankara Nair, counsel for Kok, described the judgment as fair and just while speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, noting that the ruling defines the legal limits of political criticism. Lawyer Syahrul Syazwan Salehin represented Dr Akmal during the proceedings and indicated that he would consult his client before deciding on any further legal action, according to Free Malaysia Today.

Halal Certification Dispute Origins

The legal action originated from a public disagreement in September 2024. Kok had publicly questioned a proposal to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food businesses that did not serve pork or alcohol, warning that the mandate could financially burden smaller operators.

In response, Dr Akmal published a video on social media addressing Kok. The court noted that he called her an “old nyonya,” told her to keep quiet, and suggested placing a “non-halal” label on her forehead. Judicial Commissioner Isa rejected Dr Akmal’s defences of fair comment and qualified privilege, emphasizing that a defendant cannot invent unproven facts and that the remarks constituted personal attacks born of anger rather than reasoned debate.

Kok Welcomes Ruling to Defend Her Dignity

Following the verdict, Kok posted a statement on Facebook welcoming the ruling and declaring that justice had prevailed. She stated that the litigation was pursued to defend her dignity and uphold the rule of law rather than for financial gain, adding that she typically channels defamation settlement funds into charitable causes after covering legal fees.