In a recent and fiery exchange, UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh has dismissed the RM25 million legal suit filed by Seputeh DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok as inconsequential. Addressing the media and his supporters via a Facebook video, Akmal framed his response not only as a defense against Kok's legal action but as a broader stand for his principles concerning religion, race, and nation.
The controversy erupted when Kok, also the six-term Seputeh MP, initiated a defamation lawsuit against Akmal on September 11, 2024. The suit accuses Akmal of making derogatory statements that she claims have damaged her reputation. In reaction to this legal challenge, Akmal expressed his willingness to go to great lengths, declaring, "For the sake of religion, race, and nation—ABATA—I am not only prepared to face the RM25 million claim but am willing to risk my life in this battle."
His defiant stance was underscored by a proclamation of bravery, "Lawan tetap lawan," which translates to "a fight is still a fight," indicating his resolve to confront Kok's accusations head-on. Akmal's rhetoric drew applause from his supporters, some of whom compared his courage to the legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah.
The timing of Akmal's response has added to the controversy. Critics have noted his comparatively muted reaction to another significant issue—the alleged criminal activities linked to Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB). This organization recently faced a police raid that resulted in the rescue of 402 children from what were described as dubious orphanages in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. The low-key approach of Akmal and other political figures toward this issue has sparked accusations of double standards.
Political observer BerhalaKuning took to social media to comment on what he perceives as a selective focus in Akmal's activism. He suggested that Akmal's reticence to address the GISB scandal might be influenced by fears of political backlash, questioning if the situation would be different if GISB were a Chinese-owned entity. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about perceived inconsistencies in how political figures engage with issues based on the ethnicity or background of the entities involved.
The discourse surrounding Akmal’s response has also generated debate within political circles and among the public. Supporters of Kok and some Pakatan Harapan (PH) backers have urged Akmal to take the lawsuit seriously. They argue that DAP has a notable track record of pursuing legal action in defamation cases, suggesting that Akmal should be prepared for a rigorous legal process.
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