KUALA LUMPUR: Legal eagle Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar who helped a poor mother charged with shoplifting 25 years ago, has been awarded September's National Press Club (NPC)-MACROKIOSK Muhibbah Award today.
In 1998, Zaharil encountered a distraught Indian woman accused of shoplifting a RM18 pencil case. She sought to acquire it as a gift for her 10-year-old son, who had earned the highest grade point average in his class. He offered to take the woman's case pro bono.
In 2018, Zaharil was approached by a man in his early 30s who identified himself as the son of the same woman and disclosed that he had been inspired to become a lawyer himself because of Zaharil's actions.
"Regardless of our race and religion, I try to help Malaysians in need," he said at the Muhibbah Award ceremony at The Intermark, Kuala Lumpur today.
"My relationship with them (the woman's family) is good. We celebrate Deepavali and Hari Raya together," he said, adding that embracing our similarities is what defines us Malaysians.
The judges were profoundly moved by Zaharil's story, which was recently brought to light, and as a result, he was selected as September's deserving recipient.
"The act is inspirational, and embodies the true spirit of muhibbah. I truly hope this will encourage more Malaysians to make a difference," said NPC deputy president Haresh Deol.
MACROKIOSK chief executive officer, Datuk Kenny Goh said: "Zaharil's narrative exemplifies the muhibbah spirit that we endeavour to acknowledge and promote through this award. His empathy has left a lasting impression on the judges and stands as a source of inspiration for all Malaysians."
"All Malaysians are kind and by putting aside our ego, we can find it in ourselves to help those who are in need," he told reporters.
In April, NPC partnered with MACROKIOSK, an enterprise solutions platform provider, to inaugurate a monthly award series.This series aims to acknowledge and honour individuals, groups, or organisations that embody the authentic essence of muhibbah in Malaysia.
The award comes with a cash prize of RM2,000, a certificate and vouchers from top regional brands such as Tealive, Jaya Grocer and natural yoghurt brand llaollao.