Akmal said he would be at the Jasin police headquarters at 10am to give his statement, and reiterated that he stood by his remarks.

“If you fear the waves, don’t build a house by the seashore. I will never give up nor apologise because I was taught to defend my religion, race and country, even if it means sacrificing my life,” he said.

Accusing Kok of having caused the issue and “now you’re playing the victim” he said he would see her in court, a reference to a defamation suit that Kok has threatened to file against him.

Akmal had called Kok an “old nyonya lady” and said she should not interfere with Islamic matters, particularly regarding the halal certification proposal.

A police report was lodged against him by Seputeh DAP Youth. Kok, who is MP for Seputeh, later sent Akmal a letter of demand to retract his statement, failing which she would sue him for RM25 million in defamation damages.

Two weeks ago, Kok was questioned by police after 50 reports were lodged against her for opposing a proposal on mandatory halal certificates for certain food and beverage businesses.