A lawyer’s compassion for a mother in distress in 1998 has earned him the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC)-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Award for September.
Datuk Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar, who was then in his 30s, came across a distraught Malaysian woman who was charged with stealing an RM18 pencil box. She had wanted it as a gift for her 10-year-old son, who was her only child who topped his class.
Ahmad Zaharil, in a recent news report, recalled how he felt distressed upon seeing the woman, in her 50s, arriving in court in handcuffs, accompanied by police. He had then just finished handling another court case.
He intervened upon learning what had happened, thinking what would become of the woman’s son if she ended up in jail.
He went to great lengths, including visiting the boy’s school, to confirm if he had indeed done well in his examinations.
He later returned to the courtroom with the boy’s teacher, and Ahmad Zaharil also mitigated on the woman’s behalf. The magistrate later meted out justice with mercy, and bound her over on a good behaviour bond.
In 2018, Ahmad Zaharil was approached by a man in his early 30s who introduced himself as the son of that woman. Because of Ahmad Zaharil’s compassion, the young man had been inspired to become a lawyer.
Ahmad Zaharil’s remarkable story touched the hearts of the judges, making him the deserving recipient for September.
Ahmad Zaharil, now 57, said he helped the woman out of compassion, as a fellow Malaysian.
“Never did I expect my simple act from 25 years ago could lead to such a beautiful connection. I was doing what I was trained to do as a member of the legal fraternity.”
“I’m truly honoured to receive this award, which truly goes to every Malaysian who has lived in the spirit of Muhibbah over the decades.”
He added that Malaysians have so many similarities and urged them to not focus on their differences.
“We are 98 per cent similar. So why do we keep on talking about the two per cent difference all the time?
“I studied in the United Kingdom and there, friends, regardless of race, will all spend time together. But the minute we return to Malaysia, everyone goes their own way. Why?”
Ahmad Zaharil, who is no stranger to helping the homeless in Chow Kit and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, in Kuala Lumpur said he will continue helping those in need.
“I’ve been using my own money to buy food for the homeless. I’ll now use the award money to buy food for them.”
The NPC-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Award carries a cash prize of RM2,000, a certificate, and vouchers from top regional lifestyle tea brand Tealive, leading lifestyle fresh market brand Jaya Grocer, and top natural yoghurt brand llaollao.
Deputy president of the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC), Haresh Deol, who presented the award, commended Ahmad Zaharil for his extraordinary act of compassion.
“Ahmad Zaharil showed what being human is all about. His motivation then was just to help out a fellow Malaysian. Instead, he changed both their lives,” said Haresh.
“The act is inspirational and embodies the true spirit of Muhibbah. I truly hope this will encourage more Malaysians to make a difference,” he added.
Macrokiosk chief executive officer Datuk Kenny Goh, in congratulating the winner, said: “Ahmad Zaharil’s story demonstrates the Muhibbah spirit, which we aim to recognise and encourage with this award.
“His compassion has impressed the judges and serves as an inspiration for all Malaysians.”
Besides members of the press, the event today was also attended by Malaysian Bar chairman, Karen Cheah.
NPC, together with enterprise solutions platform provider Macrokiosk, launched the monthly award series in April to recognise individuals, groups, or organisations, that best embody the true spirit of Muhibbah in Malaysia. Media editors take turns to evaluate nominees for the award.
Previous winners of the Muhibbah Awards were the Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque in Bangsar (May), Dignity for Children (June), Taiping Soup Kitchen and Gurdwara Sahib Taiping (July) and couple Amirul Husni Afendey and Nur Syarina Muhammad Noor (August).
