#SHOWBIZ: M Jamil hopes for swift end to divorce case amid health struggles

Malaysia's veteran actor and director M Jamil, also known as Mohamad Jamil Zulkifli, has expressed a desire for a speedy conclusion to his ongoing divorce case. The 62-year-old, who uses a wheelchair, appeared at the Gombak Lower Syariah Court in Selayang today, accompanied by his 28-year-old son Sadiq.

Sadiq informed the court that he was appointed as his father's family arbiter (hakam) during the proceedings. The plaintiff, Shahrila Markom, filed for divorce in February. The court moved directly to the hakam stage due to M Jamil's previous absence from Conciliatory Committee (JKP) sessions, which led to the declaration of an irreconcilable marital discord. A family arbitration session was held to discuss an amicable divorce, financial settlement, or potential reconciliation.

M Jamil, who has suffered a stroke and deals with severe diabetic complications, including the amputation of his left foot's little toe, acknowledged his physical exhaustion and poor health as factors contributing to his hope for a swift resolution. Accompanied by his son, M Jamil expressed his gratitude for finally hiring a lawyer and emphasized his desire for a peaceful resolution, entrusting his legal team to handle the case.

During an earlier hearing, M Jamil refused to grant a divorce, citing his inability to see his two youngest children since Shahrila left the family home with them last November. Sadiq, hopeful for an amicable resolution, expressed his desire to ensure the best outcome for both his father and his wife. M Jamil, the son of 84-year-old veteran actress Datuk Sarimah Ahmad, has 11 children from four marriages and currently resides with two of them.