By Mohamad Letfee Ahmad
I first encountered Dato’ Jaafar Kamin in 1980, during an event that promised to be both exhilarating and daunting; the Annual General Meeting of the Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman Old Boys Association (STAROBA) at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. As a newcomer in the field, having spent only two years as a producer at Radio Malaysia Pulau Pinang, I felt an exhilarating wave of nerves as I prepared to interview a senior officer from RTM, a man already celebrated as a seasoned broadcaster.
Sadly, our paths did not cross again until much later, as I never had the chance to work at Angkasapuri. It wasn’t until I moved to the capital and continued my career in television production as an independent producer supplying programmes under the RTM’s privatisation project, that I was fortunate enough to reconnect with this illustrious figure. This opportunity arose when I became actively involved in the RTM Veterans Association, an initiative founded by the late Datuk Abdullah Mohamad, former Director-General of Broadcasting.
Jaafar’s career at RTM began humbly in 1968, as he donned the hat of a Program Assistant, creating documentary and magazine-style programming. His exceptional talent caught the attention of peers and superiors alike, leading him to pursue further studies under the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, earning a Master of Science in TV-Radio from Syracuse University, New York, in 1973.
Climbing the ranks, Jaafar steadily navigated through various roles, including Public Affairs Controller (1974-1976), Director of Radio (1976-1979), and Director of TV (1980-1981), before taking a significant step in his career as the Director of Broadcasting (Sarawak Region) from 1982 to 1984. By 1988, Jaafar reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed the Director-General of Broadcasting.
In this esteemed position, he also made notable contributions at the international level, serving as the President of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) for an impressive seven years beginning in 1992. Prior to this, he demonstrated his leadership capabilities as the Deputy President from 1989 to 1991. His influence extended to his role as the President of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA) and Chair of Public Broadcasting International (PBI).
Despite his serious demeanour, peers fondly noted Dato” Jaafar as a serious but humorous person. Such sentiments were shared during his farewell announcement at the 35th ABU Conference in Shanghai, China, in November 1998. With his characteristic humour, he quipped, “My speech is quite long, so I will deliver it digitally, not analogue.”
Over his three decades with RTM, Jaafar achieved remarkable milestones, notably fostering an informed society through initiatives like the Kelab Pendengar, Penonton dan Pembaca (K3P). This programme became a cornerstone of broadcasting innovation, helping to forge vital collaborations with neighbouring countries via the Twin Station initiative.
Though initially set to retire in August 1998, Jaafar’s tenure was extended until August 1999, following RTM’s appointment as the host broadcaster for the Commonwealth Games. For him, retirement was not an end but a transition, “a change in roles” that allowed him to continue serving the country and its generation that still needed his insights and experience.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Dato’ Jaafar remains deeply committed to community service through programmes like JOM BATIK (Balas Bakti Komuniti) and GO BATIK (Be Active To Instil Kindness), which aim to instil kindness and encourage active participation in societal well-being. In his free time, he dedicates himself to the Wardatul Jannah Foundation in Kota Damansara, fostering character development and identity among orphaned boys.
Jaafar firmly believes in the power of a curious mind, asserting, “Our brains need to always be working.” In alignment with this philosophy, he authored a series of illustrated tales, including Siri Alkisah Sang Butbut, Balik Kampung, and Paksi 17: Tak Melayu Hilang di Dunia (2009), followed by KeTUANan Malaysia (2010).
For his exemplary contributions, Jaafar has been recognized with numerous honours throughout his career. In 1985, he received the Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (PPB) from the Sarawak State Government. This was followed by additional accolades, including the Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia Pangkat Ketiga Setia Mahkota Johor (SMJ) in the same year, Johan Setia Mahkota (JSM) in 1989, and the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang Peringkat Kedua (DIMP) in 1990 which conferred upon him the prestigious title of Dato’.
On a personal note, Dato’ Jaafar has enjoyed a fulfilling family life since marrying Noraini Haji Zainul on November 12, 1972. Together, they are blessed with two daughters, Soefira Jafney and Sofara Jafney.
In a world constantly shaped by evolving media landscapes, Dato’ Jaafar Kamin who passed away on December 6th at the age of 81, remains a beacon of excellence and dedication, whose legacy continues to inspire the realms of broadcasting and beyond.
— WE