Umno Youth chief raises funds to settle RM300,000 defamation judgment for Teresa Kok
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh said he has gathered enough money to pay the RM300,000 owed to DAP veteran Teresa Kok after a High Court defamation ruling.
A High Court judgment in favor of DAP veteran Teresa Kok required Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh to pay a total of RM300,000—RM250,000 in general and aggravated damages and RM50,000 in legal costs. Akmal disclosed that he secured the required amount by liquidating his motorcycle and tilapia fish, supplemented by his own and his family's savings. Public contributions have risen to nearly RM185,000, up from a previously reported RM173,000.
Speaking at the Bukit Mertajam magistrate's court, he urged the public not to send further donations and pledged to channel any remaining funds to needy individuals. He also indicated that a decision on whether to appeal the ruling will be announced within the next couple of days.
Why it matters
It shows a Malaysian politician resorting to personal asset sales and public donations to meet a court-ordered defamation payout.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Akmal's fundraising to pay the defamation judgment, but the right-leaning coverage adds details about the total judgment amount, a call to stop further donations, and a pending appeal decision.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the story around Akmal's personal fundraising efforts, his denial that the auction is a publicity stunt, and his promise of transparency in using the money.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story as the settlement of a RM300,000 judgment, emphasizing public contributions, Akmal urging donors to stop giving, and the prospect of an appeal.
The right emphasises
- required payment of RM300,000 in damages and costs
- public contributions have risen to nearly RM185,000
- urged the public not to send further donations and mentioned a pending appeal
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