FROM the vast tapestry of Malaysia's airwaves, one name continues to resonate like a familiar melody that lingers in the air — Datuk Yaacob Bahatiar Abdullah, or better known as Jake Abdullah ("Just call me Jake", he insists).
This veteran in the Malaysian media and entertainment scene with a career spanning over three decades has worn many hats — from C-level executive coach to adjunct professor, fitness instructor, martial arts practitioner and deejay with a weekly show on Fly FM. Today, he's now adding another feather to his already heaving hat, which is an author.
His beam is broad when I meet him at the launch of his maiden literary outing at UNITAR International University in Petaling Jaya. He proudly unveiled his year-and-a-half-long labour of love entitled #bookofjake: Simple Rules To Living Your Best Life!
The book, striking in its black and orange glory ("That's THE colour for 2024," shares Jake), chronicles a tale of an embattled youth, born of gritty origins, daring to traverse unforeseen heights.
Reader-friendly from beginning to end, it narrates the symphony of subtleties; of listening to life's whispered nudges. More importantly, the book unveils the mechanics behind great feats, wielding tools which the author, whose daily musings on LinkedIn have also made him one of the top LinkedIn influencers in Malaysia, firmly believes are attainable by all.
LIFE UNSCRIPTED
The genesis of his venture into writing was an unexpected job rejection that left him in contemplation. "It was God telling me that I had to do something else with my life," reflects the 58-year-old, who currently serves as chief consultant at Media Prima Audio.
Thus began the pages of #bookofJake.
Asked to recall how it all started, the eloquent Libran smiles. Leaning back into his chair, he shares: "Well, the hashtag was conceived long before I had an idea of doing the book. I was watching this movie called The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington, and I thought what a cool name. Hmm, why not Book of Jake? I know it sounds a little biblical but…"
He'd been documenting his thoughts on LinkedIn for a while and somebody suggested he should write a book. "Of course, that's easier said than done," continues Jake, elaborating: "The epiphany of writing this book came when I was headhunted for a job and went through all the interviews etc."
Adding, he shares: "Cut a long story short, I was so sure I'd get the job. There was only three people and I was the most qualified, considering my experience. But I didn't. Like I always say, things happen for funny reasons. I was so down at that point. For about six hours, I brooded, whined and whinged."
Expression thoughtful, Jake, one of the pioneers of Astro where he started his career as a music director and announcer in 1996, continues: "I took it as God telling me I had to do something else with my life. Maybe I should just write that book. I got up the next morning and wrote one page. And then another. This was a year ago. I didn't know it was going to be so hard."
The book, a result of disciplined routine and introspection, became more than just words; it became a testament to resilience and at the same time, a tribute to his brother-in-law.
"Every day I'd wake up at 4.45am and write a page. If I could, I'd write another (page). It was just repetitious discipline. Before long, I got into the groove," shares the author.
JUST DO IT
A conversation with his late brother-in-law spurred Jake into a greater sense of urgency. Solemnly, he confides: "Last year in October, my brother-in-law was diagnosed with brain tumour. It's the most aggressive form of cancer. He passed away recently. I spoke to him during that period."
A faraway look in his eyes, Jake, known as a deejay under the moniker Jakeman, continues: "I remember asking him, 'What would you do if you had another year to live?' He replied that he'd live each day well and never utter a single complaint about anything. It made me think of how we're always saying this to ourselves but never do it. At that point I thought, okay, I need to get this book done."
He recorded himself, his thoughts and what he wanted to say, before transcribing them. "I needed to do it that way because when you're writing, you're just too deep in the process and you might miss some thoughts. So, I just spoke to myself!"
Within the pages of Jake's book lies a chapter dedicated to the effervescent Khairy Jamaluddin, or better known as KJ, the former health minister whose evolution he witnessed firsthand. Today, the politician, in addition to being a presenter in Hot FM, also hosts Keluar Sekejap with Shahril Hamdan, a podcast where they discuss Malaysian politics and current affairs with various guests.
Drawing parallels with the 2002 American movie 8 Mile, which stars rapper Eminem in his film debut, Jake, a voracious reader with a penchant for books by Mel Robbins and David Goggins, reflects on KJ's ability to disarm opponents through humour and reinvention.
Chuckling, Jake, the passionate Kop (Liverpool FC fan) continues: "He said, 'Okay, I lost the votes (undi), but I menang selfie!' That was such a cool phrase and he went on to reinvent himself. I thought that's worthy of a chapter."
Curious, I ask whether it was hard to lure the popular politician to radio. Eyes gleaming, Jake shares: "He initially didn't understand it. He wanted to come in there and be KJ, the politician. He said he wanted to talk about the 'hard' stuff."
And what did YOU say, I blurt out, again curiosity piqued.
A shrug of the shoulders and Jake reveals: "I told him, 'It's not going to work buddy!' I asked him what he wanted to achieve, before telling him what I thought. He understood my point. Today, he's a huge radio talent."
Returning to the book, Jake shares that the process — from conception to realisation — took about 18 months. Eyes dancing, he confides: "I'm in the midst of writing a second book now! It'll be something like this one, but along the lines of a 30-day reset. Or how to reset yourself in 30 days. I want to release it on Oct 1 so people can read it by Nov 1, and by then they can work on it, to get into 2025 with a new frame of mind."
THE EARLY STANZAS
Born to a KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu or Malayan Railways Ltd) clerk father and a mother who embodied grace in the face of economic struggles, Jake's early years were a symphony of simplicity and resilience. "My father didn't have much, but he was the nicest person you'll ever meet," he reflects, pride lacing his tone.
There's a story about his late father in the book. Voice low, Jake shares: "Dad didn't have much, but he thought nothing of giving the shirt off his back. I think I got my sense of altruism from my father. You know, his funeral was packed. He had nothing, but everybody came. I always wondered why. The answer was simple — he was a nice man."
In the embrace of financial storms, Jake's family found solace in simplicity, and his mother's lessons on the value of money became the guiding star. "We were poor. Mum ran the house and taught her children the value of money. I sold nasi lemak and kuih that mum made on weekends," he reminisces, painting a vivid picture of modest beginnings.
Recalling his childhood, Jake, who has a twin sister, shares: "We lived in a rumah panjang in Sentul. I'm from Johor but my father was with KTM, so we moved a lot. I had Malay neighbours, Chinese neighbours… one of my neighbours was Marina Chin, the runner. I'd hang out at my Malay friends' families and learnt to hustle from a young age, normally for food!"
Expression earnest, the father of five (three of his own and two from his remarriage to his current wife, Fuzi) continues: "In retrospect, I wouldn't change it for anything. Today, I speak great Malay and I like the Malay culture. My parents weren't strict. I try to bring my children up the same way. I let them do what they want as long as they're happy. They've turned out well."
Did you always have the gift of the gab growing up, I ask. Jake's head bobs happily in reply. "Yessss! My twin sister is just the opposite though. She's very quiet. But I guess, together we complete each other."
Leaning in conspiratorially, he confides further as I listen in incredulity: "You know, I'm actually an introvert! I like to just go off and read quietly, but I do believe that it's pahala (reward from God for good deeds) when you can change someone's life. There's no harm having money — don't get me wrong. But it's not about that anymore. Because in the end, we're all going to be thrown into a hole in the ground and we can't bring anything with us!"
OF MINDSET AND POSSIBILITIES
Embedded in Jake's narrative are profound lessons from his two "fathers" — his biological father and a martial arts master, his late mentor whom he fondly calls Tok Bak, who instilled in him hope and the belief in limitless possibilities.
"There's a story in the book about a gecko," says Jake, noting with amusement at my look of confusion: "How many times in your life have you actually wanted to do something and then end up "tutting" to yourself and saying, 'Tak payah lah' (no need). It's that sound like a gecko's call. As a Muslim, I believe that's iblis (the devil). It's limiting. Turning a deaf ear to that can change your life."
That single habit was instilled in him by his Tok Bak. Continues Jake, who holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool: "He told me about that gecko noise, that 'tut'. We all have it. Who's actually speaking. To us, we say iblis is behind it. I've learnt to recognise that sound so well and I reject it. You can call it discipline. That has changed me completely."
Adding, Jake, who cites impatience as his biggest weakness — and strength — recalls: "Tok Bak always told me that we're limited by our excuses. Nak ke, tak nak (want or don't want)? I remember I was a deejay and he said one day I'd run my own company.
"At that point how do you believe this? In your mind you can't perceive because you don't know what it is. I was 24/25 then. He made me dream and pushed me. I realised eventually that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. That's what I teach everybody today when I consult. It's all about the mindset."
The beauty of Jake's story lies not just in the words but in the echoes of a life well-lived, resonating through the airwaves of time. As this popular personality continues to compose the chapters of his life, each verse is a true testament to resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of one's passions.
Meanwhile, #bookofjake becomes not just a book but a guide, a companion, and a reminder that life's melodies are meant to be lived and shared. Through the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, the writer's narrative is inviting others to find their rhythm, create their symphony, and dance to the music of their own lives.
#bookofjake - Simple Rules to Living Your Best Life
Author: Jake Abdullah
Publisher: Malaysian Dynamic Media Sdn Bhd
Pages: 145