UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is putting two of his prized possessions — a Honda X-ADV motorcycle and his tilapia fish stock — up for auction to help pay RM300,000 in damages and legal costs owed to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.
In a social media post, Akmal said the decision came after realising that his current financial resources were insufficient to settle the amount.
He said he appreciated suggestions from the public to set up a donation fund to help him, but wanted to try raising the money himself first by selling his own assets.
“I know every friend also has a family, responsibilities and their own struggles. So, as long as I still have things of my own that I can let go of, please allow me to try that first.
“Honestly, RM300,000 is a huge amount for me. After calculating all my savings, the total is still not enough,” he said.
Akmal explained that both items were among his most treasured possessions and had been fully paid for, making them assets he could sell to raise the money. He added that he did not own any land or a house that he could sell to make up the shortfall.
“Both have their own stories, hard work and happiness attached to them. That is why even writing that I want to sell them feels difficult. It is hard to part with something you love. But it is even harder to burden others when I still have things of my own that I can sell,” he said.
Akmal also shared his bank account details for serious bidders, explaining that the RM100 deposit would be refunded in full if a bid was unsuccessful.
Interested bidders were asked to transfer the deposit along with details of the asset they wished to bid for and their offer amount to his Maybank account, under the name Muhamad Akmal Saleh, at 554053630464.
They were also required to provide their telephone number and send the transaction receipt to 013-6232792.
Akmal thanked those who had offered prayers and words of encouragement, saying people should not feel guilty if they were unable to buy or contribute financially.
“Your prayers and words of encouragement already mean a great deal to me. Pray that I will be given the strength to let go of what I love so I can fulfil this responsibility,” he added.
Earlier, it was reported that Akmal had lost a defamation suit filed by Kok and was ordered to pay RM300,000 in damages and legal costs.
Judicial Commissioner Datuk Isa Aziz Ibrahim delivered the decision on Monday, ruling that Akmal was liable for the defamatory statements at the centre of the lawsuit.
