UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has removed his bank account details from Facebook after receiving RM45,102.18 from members of the public who mistakenly treated his appeal as a request for donations rather than bids for his assets.
Akmal said he was grateful for the support but had intended to raise the money by selling his Honda X-ADV motorcycle and farmed tilapia to cover the RM300,000 in damages and legal costs owed to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in a defamation suit filed in 2024.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he apologised for withdrawing his bank account details and thanked those who had transferred money.
“I sincerely do not want to trouble anyone by asking for help, as I will take responsibility for this myself. God willing, I will bear the full amount,” he said.
Akmal had earlier offered his motorcycle and tilapia for bidding after explaining that his existing savings were insufficient to settle the court bill.
He has now urged the public to stop making further contributions, saying he would feel guilty accepting money when he had intended to sell his own assets first.
“I ask that you stop transferring money into my account so that I will not feel guilty. It is alright, I will bear the cost myself. All I need is your prayers,” he said.
He added that details of the motorcycle would be provided later for anyone interested in buying it, inviting prospective buyers to contact him directly.
