DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok filed a RM25 million defamation suit against UMNO Youth chief Datuk Mohd Akmal Saleh, over remarks he made regarding halal certification and the “Old Nyonya Lady” issue. Mediation between the two parties at the Melaka High Court today ended without resolution, and the case is now scheduled for trial on February 12 and 13.
Akmal arrived at the Ayer Keroh court at 10.26am with his lawyer, while Kok arrived at 11.03am and proceeded directly to chambers.
After about an hour of discussions involving both parties and their legal representatives, Kok emerged at 12.02pm, with her lawyer, Datuk Shankaranarayanan, confirming that no agreement had been reached. Akmal also stated that he could not disclose the compensation demanded and, as negotiations failed, is ready to face the lawsuit in court.
The mediation session was conducted in chambers for case management and procedural purposes, allowing the judge, prosecution, and defense to clarify disputed points, exchange evidence, and explore settlement options outside the formal trial.
Background of the case:
- On September 11, 2024, Kok’s law firm, SN Nair and Partners, sent Akmal a legal notice demanding payment for all costs related to the lawsuit.
- The notice stated that if Akmal did not provide a satisfactory response within 7 days, Kok instructed her lawyers to file a defamation suit.
- The dispute arose after Kok, on September 6, 2024, issued a statement opposing a proposal by a Prime Minister’s Department minister to require halal certification for restaurants and food companies that do not sell pork or alcohol. Kok argued that the move could embarrass Malaysia internationally.
- Kok claimed Akmal, in response, posted a TikTok video containing statements that allegedly defamed her, portraying her as racist and disrespectful towards Islam.
- According to the legal notice, Akmal’s remarks led the public to believe Kok was uninformed about halal certification and undermined national harmony, even prompting a police report and investigation.
Akmal has since responded that he is prepared to face the case in court.
