Seputeh MP Teresa Kok wins defamation lawsuit against UMNO Youth chief Dr. Akmal Salleh over halal certification comments
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — The High Court has ruled in favor of Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok in her defamation lawsuit against UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Salleh over remarks made surrounding the halal certification debate.
The court held that statements made by Dr. Akmal in a social media video were defamatory, exceeded acceptable boundaries of fair comment, and directly harmed Kok’s professional reputation as a senior lawmaker.
The judge ordered Dr. Akmal to pay general, aggravated, and exemplary damages to Kok, alongside granting an injunction barring him from further publishing or repeating the defamatory remarks.
Dispute over mandatory halal proposal
The legal battle originated from a public disagreement regarding a proposal considered by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to make halal certification mandatory for non-pork and non-alcohol serving eateries.
Kok had raised concerns that making the certification compulsory could place an administrative and financial burden on micro and small business operators.
In response, Dr. Akmal posted a video across social media channels attacking Kok, using derogatory terms including “nyonya tua” and accusing her of undermining Islamic practices.
Legal process and court findings
Following a letter of demand issued by Kok seeking a retraction, apology, and compensation—which Dr. Akmal publicly dismissed—the DAP politician initiated formal legal proceedings in the High Court.
In delivering the verdict, the presiding judge noted that while public debate on policy matters is protected, personal attacks and derogatory labeling targeted at an individual do not qualify for legal protection under qualified privilege or fair comment.
Lawyers representing Kok stated that the ruling underscores the principle that political discourse must remain grounded in policy debates rather than personal insults.
— The Malaysia Times
