KUCHING: Sarawakians will soon get a rare glimpse into the lives and leadership of the state’s most prominent figures when TVS airs a documentary series on Sarawak’s Heads of State to this day.
The special documentary, which traces the journeys of seven individuals who have played a pivotal role in Sarawak’s history, will be aired this week until July 23 in conjunction with Sarawak Day.
Produced under the advisory of Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, the documentary series features the contributions of directors namely Mohamad Haimey Abdul Razak, Haziq Anwar, Ekamiezza Kamil, Dayana Rafiee, and Rudi Affendi Khalik; script writer Gerrald Gilles; editor Awang Syaizatul Eizlan Awang Zaitip; and contributor Afiezul Samit.
Speaking of the production of the documentaries, Dr Jeniri said it marks a historic milestone not just for Sarawak but for Malaysia.
“I think this is the first time in the country’s media history that all Heads of State — including the former Heads of State, are to be featured in a documentary series,” he said.
He added that the production captures not only the historical journey, sacrifices and contributions of each figure but also delves into their personal and official sides.
“The production team made every effort to interview individuals closest to these leaders — from children and grandchildren to political peers and everyday citizens — to reveal aspects of their personalities rarely known to the public,” he said.
Dr Jeniri also emphasised that the documentary serves as a meaningful tribute in conjunction with Sarawak Day, aiming to inspire the younger generation through stories of leadership and legacy.
“While we don’t claim the documentaries are perfect, they lay a strong foundation. There is still much room for more in-depth, creative and comprehensive efforts in the future not only on these seven but other notable Sarawakian figures,” he said.
He noted that the human-interest elements embedded throughout the series are meant to draw a broader audience, especially youth unfamiliar with the state’s past and leaders.
“These are seven figures, with seven stories from seven different eras – each leaving behind a legacy that deserves to be remembered and honoured,” he said.
The seven-part series, each presented in two parts, will begin with the current Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who took office on Jan 26, 2024. These episodes are scheduled to air on July 10 to 11.
The series will continue with Sarawak’s first Head of State, the late Tun Datuk Abang Openg Abang Sapiee, who held office from Sept 16, 1963 until March 28, 1969, with the two-part documentary airing on July 12-13.
Next in line is Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, whose tenure lasted from March 1, 2014 to Jan 25, 2024, with his story airing on July 14 and 15.
It will be then followed by Tun Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Muhammed Noor who served from April 2, 1985 to Dec 5, 2000 on July 16 and 17, and Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya’akub who served from April 2, 1981 to April 2, 1985 on July 18 and 19.
Viewers can also look forward to the documentary on Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin, who served two terms from April 2, 1977 to April 2, 1981 and again from Feb 22, 2001 to Feb 28, 2014, which is set to air on July 20 and 21.
Meanwhile, the documentary on Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman, who served from 1969 to 1977, will be featured on July 22 and 23.
