Teresa Kok wins RM250,000 defamation payout from Akmal over halal certification dispute

Teresa Kok wins RM250,000 defamation payout from Akmal over halal certification dispute

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Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has won a RM250,000 defamation payout from Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh after a Melaka High Court ruled that social media attacks over a halal certification dispute severely harmed her reputation.

The legal confrontation dates back to September 2024, when Dr Akmal posted a video on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The post followed public disagreement over a proposal by religious authorities to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food businesses that did not serve pork or alcohol. Kok, a DAP vice-chairman, had publicly questioned the mandate, warning that it would place an unnecessary financial burden on smaller business operators.

Instead of addressing the economic critique with policy arguments, Dr Akmal recorded a video in anger without seeking clarification. Judicial Commissioner Isa Aziz Ibrahim noted in his judgment that the politician disparaged Kok by referring to her as an old nyonya, telling her to keep quiet, and suggesting that a non-halal label be placed on her forehead.

Teresa Kok wins defamation suit against Akmal Saleh; court awards RM300,000 in damages and costs

In her statement of claim filed on October 25, 2024, Kok named Dr Muhamad Akmal—who is also the Merlimau Assemblyman and Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman—as the sole defendant. She claimed Akmal had defamed her in two articles published on a news portal, titled Akmal: Saya Minta Kerajaan Sediakan Logo Non-Halal, Tampal Pada Dahi Teresa and UMNO Youth Chief swipes at 'old Nyonya' Teresa over halal cert.

Court Orders RM250,000 Payout Over Halal Row Attacks

Delivering the court’s verdict on October 19, 2026, Judicial Commissioner Datuk Isa Aziz Ibrahim ruled that the social media remarks went far beyond the boundaries of legitimate political criticism. The judge found that the video carried a severe defamatory sting, falsely portraying Kok as an individual who habitually and continually destabilises national harmony.

The court dismissed Dr Akmal’s defences of fair comment and qualified privilege, ruling that a defendant cannot invent unproven facts and build commentary upon them. Taking into account Kok’s 25-year standing as a sixth-term Member of Parliament, the gravity of the accusations, and the defendant’s persistent refusal to retract the statements, the bench ordered a global sum of RM250,000 in general and aggravated damages.

  • Ordered Dr Akmal to pay an additional RM50,000 in legal costs.
  • Granted a mandatory injunction requiring the removal of the impugned statements from all social media platforms within seven days.
  • Issued a permanent injunction restraining Dr Akmal, whether personally or through agents and associates, from publishing similar defamatory words against Kok.

Teresa Kok Welcomes Ruling As Dr Akmal Refuses To Step Down

Speaking outside the courtroom, Sankara told reporters that the judgment set limits on political speech and provided vindication for his client.

akmal saleh
Photo: Freemalaysiatoday

She regards the outcome as an important step towards protecting her reputation and holding individuals accountable for defamatory publications.

Datuk Sankara Nair, Counsel for Teresa Kok, via NST Online

Welcoming the ruling in a public statement, Kok emphasized that democratic freedoms come with civic responsibilities. She noted that public discourse must be conducted responsibly and that social media platforms should not be used to damage personal dignity.

The freedom to express opinions does not absolve anyone of the legal consequences of publishing defamatory statements about another person.

Teresa Kok, Seputeh MP and DAP Vice-Chairman, via The Edge Malaysia

Kok added that she typically channels financial recoveries from defamation litigation toward charitable causes after accounting for legal expenses.

TERESA KOK WINS RM300,000 DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST AKMAL SALEH

Umno Youth Chief Responds Online Ahead Of Melaka Vote

Dr Akmal was absent from the courtroom when the verdict was delivered. Hours after the ruling, the Merlimau assemblyman and Melaka state executive council member took to Facebook to declare that he would stand by his political stance despite the court’s invoice.

Writing to his followers online, Dr Akmal dismissed suggestions that the penalty would force him out of his leadership roles in a post that garnered over 15,500 likes, attracting support and criticism from commenters.

This is your time in power. Do whatever you wish to do. As for me stepping down, absolutely not. Happy campaigning.

Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Umno Youth Chief, via Newswav

The legal outcome arrives against a political backdrop, coming ahead of the Melaka state election scheduled for November 14. Legal counsel for the Umno Youth chief indicated they would review the grounds of judgment before deciding on subsequent legal steps.

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