PETALING JAYA: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has successfully secured a major legal victory in her defamation lawsuit against Umno Youth chief Dr. Akmal Saleh, with the High Court in Melaka ordering him to pay RM250,000 in damages.

According to her lawyer, SN Nair, the court awarded the sum to compensate for the significant harm caused to Kok’s reputation. In addition to the damages, the court ordered Akmal to remove the defamatory remarks from all of his social media platforms and issued an injunction barring him and his representatives from repeating the statements or making similar defamatory comments against her.

Furthermore, the court ordered Akmal to pay RM50,000 in legal costs.

Origins of the Dispute

The legal battle stems from a public controversy in September 2024. The dispute began after Kok publicly voiced concerns over a proposal to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food businesses that do not serve pork or alcohol.

Kok warned that the mandatory requirement could impose an unnecessary burden on businesses, particularly smaller operators. In response, Akmal launched a verbal attack, referring to her as an "old nyonya" and suggesting that a "non-halal" label be placed on her forehead.

Reactions from Both Sides

Welcoming the court’s decision through her legal team, Kok described the ruling as a crucial step in safeguarding her personal reputation and ensuring accountability for defamatory conduct. Nair emphasized that public discourse must be carried out responsibly, noting that freedom of expression does not shield individuals from legal repercussions when defamation occurs.

Meanwhile, Akmal’s defense counsel, Syahrul Syazwan Salehin, stated when contacted that he would need to consult and advise his client before determining any further legal steps.

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