Seputeh MP Teresa Kok described the win as an important step in protecting her reputation and holding people accountable for making defamatory statements. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has won her defamation suit against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, with the High Court ordering him to pay RM250,000 in damages.
Her lawyer, SN Nair, said the High Court in Melaka awarded Kok the sum for the damage caused to her reputation.
The case stems from remarks Akmal made in September 2024 after Kok questioned a proposal to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food businesses that did not serve pork or alcohol.
Kok had warned that the proposal could burden businesses, particularly smaller operators. Akmal responded by calling her an “old nyonya” and suggesting that a "non-halal" label be placed on her forehead.
