Photography, music and sport reveal Dr Abdul Rahman’s personal side

AWAY from official engagements, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi enjoys seeing the world through a camera lens.

An interest nurtured by his late father has stayed with him since childhood, with natural landscapes often catching his eye whenever he travels.

The former doctor also finds time for music, sports and the occasional motorcycle ride, offering a glimpse of the person beyond his public role.

Sarawak Tribune reporter Alezxandria Kapple catches up with the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Regional Development Agency Project Coordination, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) to talk about childhood dreams, family influences and his favourite pastimes.

ST: Before medicine and politics, what did you imagine yourself doing?

As a primary school pupil, I had my sights set on becoming a lawyer.

My interests changed at science secondary school, where engineering and microbiology began to appeal to me.

Medicine came into the picture when I received an offer to study the subject at university, and I eventually spent about 19 years working as a doctor, including in private general practice, before going into politics.

Looking at my children now, it is interesting how the careers I once considered have found their way into the family.

My four children have chosen paths in law, engineering and medicine, while one of my daughters is pursuing a PhD in microbiology.

None of that was planned, which makes it all the more remarkable to me.

ST: Where did your interest in photography begin?

My late father had a great deal to do with it, having spent almost 40 years as a photographer at the museum department.

I received an Olympus camera when I was in Primary Six, and photography has stayed with me ever since.

These days, travelling gives me opportunities to photograph natural scenery, which is what I particularly enjoy capturing.

I also enjoy browsing nature photographs in journals and magazines, although photography remains a hobby I pursue for personal enjoyment.

ST: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

They might not know that I enjoy picking up an acoustic guitar and playing music with my family.

My favourites are songs from the 1970s and 1980s, including numbers by Tom Jones and Cliff Richard.

It is a quieter part of my life that I seldom share with the public, but one that brings me a lot of enjoyment at home.

ST: What would you choose for a movie night?

I would be happy with a martial arts film, particularly the first two Ip Man movies.

My interest in Chinese cinema goes back to primary school, when most of my classmates were Chinese.

Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan were among the action stars I grew up watching, while Donnie Yen is one of my favourites today.

ST: When your schedule allows a break, how do you spend it?

I have always enjoyed being active, having played tennis, volleyball and table tennis during my school years, including representing my school.

Tennis remained part of my routine after I became a doctor, and I also played for the medical department’s team at one point.

These days, I play pickleball and petanque too.

In fact, sport was another path I would have liked to pursue had I not become a doctor, even though I was not the strongest player.

I also enjoy an occasional ride on my Kawasaki Vulcan 900cc to places such as Telok Melano and Sematan.

For me, it is about taking a leisurely ride without being part of a large convoy.