PETALING JAYA: Datuk Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar (pic), better known as the “pencil box lawyer”, who was hospitalised for a severe bout of influenza recently, has been allowed to return home.
Ahmad Zaharil was warded at a hospital on Friday where he was later diagnosed with Influenza B.
Although weak and exhausted, the stoic lawyer responded to get-well-soon messages and expressed his gratitude to all his well-wishers for their messages and prayers.
“Yes, I was warded. I am now under quarantine at home. I am doing okay. Thank you all for the concern, kindness and prayers,” he said in a voice message to The Star.
Earlier, in a TikTok video which showed Ahmad Zaharil resting and undergoing medical tests, his daughter Eva Zarina said her father tested positive for Influenza B and made a plea to Malaysians to keep her father in their prayers.
“He is recovering well and his oxygen levels have also improved and are normal now. Hopefully, he will take the time to rest and recover at home.
“Those who know him are aware that he is always thinking of work and can be quite stubborn. The first thing he asked for when hospitalised was his laptop, which he carries everywhere.
“To his clients, we will contact you when his condition is stable. Thank you for your support,” she said.
The prominent criminal lawyer shot to fame after a story of him helping secure freedom for a single mother who was caught shoplifting about three decades ago went viral.
The impoverished woman had stolen a pencil case as she had promised to get it for her 10-year-old son for performing well in his exams.
The woman’s son, who went on to become a lawyer, later approached and introduced himself to Ahmad Zaharil in court before expressing his gratitude for the latter’s kindness.
The meeting created a bond between both families that prevails to this day.
The heartwarming story, which was exclusively featured in The Star in August 2023, saw the 58-year-old senior lawyer receiving multiple awards and recognition for his kind deeds.
The latest recognition was awarded by the Business Ethics Institute of Malaysia (BEIM), in which he received the Golden Ethical Hearts Award on Nov 19 last year.
In a brief speech at the ceremony, Ahmad Zaharil, who always advocates the importance of unity among the various races, said: “Look deep in your hearts and find the tiny dot reminding us we are all part of the Malaysian race. Compassion for each other should be as natural as for our own families.”
