A man who accused Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh of using “stolen money” to help the needy has publicly apologised after being threatened with legal action.
The incident began after the individual, identified as Shafii Halid, posted the allegation on social media, prompting Akmal, who is also a Melaka state executive councillor, to demand a public apology.
Akmal said he could accept criticism and differences of opinion, but described the allegation that he had stolen money and used it to help others as an insult.
“I can accept any criticism, but accusing me of stealing and using stolen money to help others is an insult to me.
“There is no problem with having different opinions, but making accusations and insulting efforts to help the people is something that cannot be accepted.
“If there is no apology, we will meet in court,” he said in a Facebook post.
Akmal had given Shafii two hours to issue a public apology or face legal action.
Shafii subsequently apologised publicly, saying he regretted the comment and hoped Akmal would forgive him.
He also said the incident had affected his wife after netizens began tagging her and directing abusive comments at her.
“I, Shafii, would like to publicly apologise for the comment I made on your post. I hope you can forgive me. I just checked my phone and saw many people tagging me with abusive words, including tagging my wife, who had nothing to do with this,” he wrote.
Following the apology, Akmal said he considered the matter resolved.
However, he urged social media users to be more responsible with their comments, stressing that freedom of expression should not be used as a licence to make defamatory accusations.
“May this serve as a lesson to everyone. If you want to comment, comment based on facts, not by making accusations as you please.
“If we cannot do good, do not insult those who are doing good for society,” he said.
