EVEN if DAP veteran Teresa Kok only walked away with a tiny slice of RM300,000 from her initial RM25 mil legal suit over the Nyonya Tua debacle following her stance against mandatory halal certification in July 2024, this is still a big slap on the face to UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Above all else, the latest court victory comes fresh from her having squeezed every dime from fellow UMNO senior Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos a.k.a. Jamal Jamban earlier this year – RM366,600 in total (RM300,000 in general, aggravated and exemplary damages alongside RM50,000 in legal costs and RM66,600 in remaining costs and interest).
Little wonder, pro-Madani political observers are wary that Akmal has subconsciously embraced the political culture of slandering opponents as his association with PAS to foster the ummah unity spirit deepens.
“It seems as if this political disease that is often associated with PAS has started to infect Akmal … Accuse first, prove later. If the supporters believe it, the mission is considered complete,” argued Facebooker Ahmad Mursi.
But the court is not a stage for political speeches. It is not the number of supporters that determines right or wrong.
Akmal can continue to speak out. That is his right. Only from now on, he may have learnt the hard way that not everything in politics can be solved with a loud voice, a fierce face and by pointing fingers.
Because in politics, people can applaud when we attack our opponents. But when we lose a lawsuit, the one who has to pay is not the supporters.
The one who has to fork out the money is we ourselves.
Losing court case to elder brother
As it is, the self-proclaimed staunch defender of race and religion can still appeal or apply for a stay of execution from paying the Seputeh MP RM250,000 in general and aggravated damages in addition to RM50,000 in legal costs as ordered by the Melaka High Court yesterday.
While his appeal must be filed within the mandatory 30-day window from the date of the court decision, his formal stay application would hinge on the Merlimau MP’s compliance with the mandatory injunction to take down the defamatory videos (ie the name calling and sticking of halal logo on the forehead) within seven days.
Elsewhere, news portal Arus Daily took a swipe at the Melaka state EXCO for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security in that “people enter politics to gain influence but Dr Akmal seems to also gain experience in the legal field”.
“Not as a lawyer. As a defendant! 😂” jibed the publication. “I salute Dr Akmal. Not all politicians are capable of turning a halal certificate issue into a learning experience worth RM300,000.”
Interestingly, Arus Daily further dug up a somewhat family feud in which the Russia-trained medical doctor was ordered by the Melaka Sessions Court in December 2023 to pay RM45,000 in damages and RM4,200 in costs in a defamation suit brought by his biological brother Dr Muhamad Solehin Saleh (now with BERSAMA).
“Other people have family history. Dr Akmal has a history of family litigation. 😂” mocked the news portal.
If you add up the two court decisions, the total is RM349,200. But let’s not be too hard on Dr Akmal.
Maybe he is conducting a very important social experiment for the country. To what extent can freedom of speech be tested before the court issues an invoice? First experiment RM49,200. Second experiment RM300,000.
Another political slant news portal Nadi Daily stressed that Akmal’s court defeat should serve as a lesson to all politicians that “religious issues are not a license to attack the dignity of others at will”.
“If you disagree with Teresa’s views on halal certification, answer with facts. Explain the policy, explain the importance of certification and present the argument,” asserted the news portal.
Don’t jump straight to personal attacks. The most interesting thing is when Teresa was attacked, there was no shortage of cheers.
Now when it comes to the RM300,000 chapter, let’s see how many are willing to help pay.
Hopefully, politicians will be more careful from now on by thinking twice before opening their mouth. Because on the political stage, a loud voice may get applause.
But in court, what is needed is evidence. – Oct 20, 2026
