KUALA LUMPUR: Muhammad Al Syafiq Mohamad Azman, 35, the son of actor Dharma Harun Al-Rashid, wishes to complete his studies at the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (Aswara) before seeking a permanent job.
Muhammad Al Syafiq said that he does not want to rush into quitting his studies in Creative Arts Foundation, which is expected to finish this August.
"I am an excellent student, and my exam results are among the best. Therefore, my lecturers have advised me to complete my studies first before looking for a permanent job to support my family's finances.
"Therefore, I have to hold on until this August. God willing, once I finish my studies, I will try to get a permanent job to pay the rent and help my father and family," he told Harian Metro.
Asked if the faculty knew about his family's financial problems, Muhammad Al Syafiq said that Aswara School of Creative Foundation dean, Dr Erdina Nasseri, understands and has been one of the individuals who have provided significant assistance.
"The dean knows I have financial issues, and she has helped a lot, even securing assistance from Aswara for me. Personally, she has been very supportive of me.
"I have also done part-time jobs in the afternoon and evening at a café to earn some income. But now, with my final project, it's a bit difficult to work.
"Regardless, I don't mind what people say because I know what I am doing, and God knows too. When I used to work, I could earn RM300 a month, which was used to pay the electricity and water bills, and other necessary expenses," he said.
Previously, Dharma, 68, known for his role as Cikgu Azmi in the film 'Adik Manja', had to comply with an eviction notice from his rented home in Wangsa Maju due to unpaid rent.
The actor, who is currently facing health issues after suffering a stroke, was troubled about how to settle the outstanding rent of RM7,500 following a notice issued by the landlord.
According to Dharma, he and his two children, Siti Qurratu Aini, 36, and Muhammad Al Syafiq, were given until the end of this month to settle the payment, as his children are also not working and still studying.
This situation has raised questions about why the actor's children have not completed their studies, given that they are in their 30s and should be working by now to help their father resolve their financial problems.