Although he gained much prominence from doing so, Zaharil’s unwavering commitment to justice and unity can be traced back to earlier times and extends far beyond the courtroom.

His values, vision for Malaysia, and worldview have been profoundly shaped by pivotal moments in his formative years, particularly during his time as a law student in London in the late 1980s.

Living with housemates David, Francis, Simon and Palaiah in London, he experienced firsthand the beauty and fragility of unity.

“During our time as students, we were like brothers. During the fasting month, they would call out: ‘Mat, Mat, Mat, come down, it’s sahur time! I’ve cooked you curry!’

“During Chinese New Year, I bought two chickens and cooked rendang for Simon,” he said in an interview with FMT.

However, their friendship ultimately succumbed to Malaysia’s racial and religious divides—a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many multiracial relationships in the country.

“Once we got back and touched down at KLIA, there went our friendship and brotherhood. I still wonder: Why did this happen? Was our friendship in London artificial?”

Zaharil stressed that Malaysians, both ordinary citizens and those in positions of power, must find solutions to navigate an increasingly divisive world.

“Is this the kind of life that we want? If racial and religious sentiments are instigated every day, I don’t think Malaysia will progress. We have to find a solution for this,” he said.

Hope for Malaysians

Zaharil actively engages in his community during his free time, from helping to run a friend’s murtabak stall at a Ramadan bazaar to doing charity work, including providing meals for the homeless.

“During Covid-19, using my own money, I managed to donate about three tonnes of rice, one tonne of flour and other essentials like cooking oil.

“Hunger is universal. Regardless of whether you are Chinese, Indian or Malay, the hunger suffered is still the same. I still do this, and I plan to continue for as long as I can,” he said.

Zaharil expressed hope that future generations will bridge Malaysia’s divides and recognise that fighting for meaningful change is worthwhile.

He recounted the day he helped the struggling mother who had promised her son a pencil box if he became the top student in his class.

Zaharil said the injustice was so profound that the fact that his client was of a different race and religion never even crossed his mind.

“I saw that the mother was in trouble. She was helpless and I happened to be there, so I helped. That’s all,” he said.

In a heartwarming twist of fate years later, Zaharil reunited with her son, now a lawyer himself.

“I had no idea who he was at first. But when he told me his story, I started crying. I didn’t expect anything.

“He still calls me to check in, asks how I’m doing and takes care of his mother. That’s what really matters to me,” said Zaharil.

Leading by example

A father of seven, Zaharil makes it a point to instil important values in his children, so that they too carry his beliefs.

“Honesty and integrity are the most important things, but above all, never forget your parents, respect and take care of them and God will take care of you,” he said.

This is clearly reflected in his daughter, Eva Zarina, who holds her father in high esteem.

“When I heard about the pencil case story, I was so proud of him because it reminded me of the legacy he is leaving behind and it motivated me to create my own impact as well,” she said.

Zaharil hopes his legacy of integrity, compassion and justice will extend beyond his children to inspire the next generation of Malaysian youth.