KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has successfully raised nearly RM300,000 to settle his legal debt by liquidating personal assets, selling fish from his pond, and dipping into family savings.
Refusing to use public sympathy to clear his debt, the Melaka state Exco member revealed he will channel the entire RM173,733.61 received in unsolicited public donations to those in greater need.
In a Facebook update today, Akmal disclosed that his prized Honda X-ADV motorcycle sold for RM150,000, while fish sales from his tilapia farm yielded nearly RM30,000. Combined with family savings, he expects to hit the full RM300,000 mark by next week.
The cash injection stems from a court order requiring Akmal to pay RM300,000 in compensation to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over a defamation suit. Maintaining that he respects the court verdict, Akmal had previously put his beloved assets up for sale after admitting his personal savings fell short.
Rejecting ‘publicity stunt’ allegations
Addressing critics who accused him of running a publicity stunt to solicit money, Akmal insisted he never intended to rely on public handouts.
“There was never any intention for me to ask for donations as long as I was still capable of bearing the burden on my own,” Akmal clarified.
Despite explicitly urging the public not to donate, money continued pouring into his bank account.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped and prayed for me. Even after I asked the public not to donate, kind-hearted individuals still transferred money into my account, while others met me in person to offer assistance,” he said.
Redirecting donations to charity
With public contributions reaching RM173,733.61, Akmal is now seeking permission from donors to pass every cent to underprivileged families.
“Every single sen you have given me will be handed over to those who need it more. I ask once again that you no longer deposit money into my account so that the distribution of your contributions can proceed smoothly,” he added.
Full details of the charitable distribution will be published on his official social media platforms in due course. – October 23, 2026