KUCHING: Retired Mejar Mohammad Qayyum A. Badaruddin, finds writing a therapeutic outlet for him.
It is therefore no surprise that the 68-year-old seasoned military veteran has dedicated his post-military life to writing.
Additionally he is also very much into motivational speaking and participating in humanitarian missions.
After serving for 25 years, he transitioned into channeling his drive into writing and public speaking.
In a recent conversation with Sarawak Tribune, Qayyum who was born in Selangor in 1956, he shared his journey from a modest upbringing in Sabak Bernam to a successful career in the Malaysian armed forces and beyond.
In doing so he hoped to inspire others through his life stories, proving that with courage and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: How did your journey as a writer begin?
Qayyum: When we went on operations, we had free time. I thought about what I wanted to do. I value time. When we value time, we can accomplish many things in a short period. We are given 24 hours. We are given the same amount of rain. It’s about how you use that time.
Sometimes it stretches. Occasionally, I take two hours to rest, sometimes up to eight hours. Sometimes I don’t do anything at all. I step away from the computer because I want to rest. I need a break from the computer. That’s how you reward yourself, meditate, and find gaps to recharge.
Sometimes I watch TV. I watch movies. I don’t think at all. I just watch. But it will come back. Because that passion is already there. I watch soccer. I observe the strategy. How do emotions change after a setback? What are the emotions when a player gets a red card? People focus on those things, but I see beyond that. I watch how emotions shift. How the coach gives instructions, signals, and so on. So, we learn from that. That too is knowledge. But it doesn’t involve the computer. That’s where you divert. Sometimes I go to the mall for three to four hours just to look around, window shop, and eat food I rarely eat.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What inspired you to write your first book and how did you manage its publication?
Qayyum: After serving for 20 years, I began to explore my passion for writing. My first book, Memoir of a Paratrooper (Memoir Seorang Para Jurit) and the North Pole Jump (Penerjunan Kutub Utara), was published in 2000. The idea stemmed from a historical event when Datuk Aziz jumped from a height of 600 meters at the North Pole. Despite initial challenges in securing permission from TV3 to write about it, I persevered and interviewed one of the jumpers, which led to the creation of my first book.
Writing became a therapeutic outlet for me, allowing me to reflect on my experiences and share my insights with others. The process of writing is akin to a mission; you have to plan, execute, and be prepared for setbacks. I published my first book with a personal budget of nearly RM10,000 and printed 8,000 copies, which sold out quickly. The joy of knowing that people appreciated my work surpassed any financial gain.
While my books haven’t reached the global market in a major way, they’re available in several countries, including the US, UK, Indonesia, Brunei, and particularly Singapore, where bookstores have helped expand their reach. Notable titles like Ahmad Amar and MH370 are part of nearly 20 books that have reached Asean countries and other parts of Asia.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What genre do you write in?
Qayyum: I began writing in the motivational genre, which I would describe as encompassing various types of motivation such as religious, leadership, educational, parenting, and military. Next year, I plan to publish 12 books focused on military themes, 12 on leadership, and 10 on parenting. I prefer to keep my projects private until they’re ready, as I like to say, “don’t share plans, share results”. That’s why whenever I meet people, there’s always a new book, but they rarely see it coming. I follow a principle from a successful entrepreneur: create something meaningful, build excitement, then disappear for a while before returning with something new.
One of my main goals for each book is to document significant events, especially since I’ve noticed that Malaysia lacks a strong culture of record-keeping. For example, if we were to host the Commonwealth Games again, it would be problematic if past records were lost. Therefore, I compile information on important occurrences, such as the 2004 tsunami, the North Pole expedition, the Mount Kinabalu earthquake, and the story of Ahmad Amar, a Malaysian student who tragically died in Turkiye. For me, writing is motivated by a desire to educate and preserve accurate records. This is particularly important in cases like the disappearance of MH370, where many details can easily be overlooked. My books aim to serve as reliable references, especially for graduate students seeking verified information.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What challenges have you faced throughout your career as a writer?
Qayyum: One of the biggest challenges I face is dealing with “snipers” who are those who seem to take pleasure in seeing others struggle. These individuals often sit on the sidelines, criticising and waiting for others to fail. In my experience, when I ask ten people, “How is your business?” only three genuinely wish for my success, while the others may not. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a pure and resilient heart. You don’t have to be liked by everyone, but you need inner strength and beauty.
To navigate these challenges, I recommend a few key strategies. First, focus on self-reliance, don’t seek validation from others but instead strive for divine approval and remain grounded in what truly matters. Second, pursue your work for the joy and fulfillment it brings rather than for recognition. Throughout my military career, I’ve faced criticism, but I choose to concentrate on the few supportive voices rather than dwell on negativity. As Jack Ma once said, “When vision is clear, action becomes easier,” and that idea resonates deeply with me. A clear vision provides the motivation to persevere through any obstacle.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What are some of the most challenging and bittersweet moments you’ve encountered in your writing journey?
Qayyum: Some of the bitterest moments include losing manuscripts, having my laptop stolen, or seeing a client break our agreement to print a book independently after I’ve invested countless late nights into it. When you pour so much effort into your work, these setbacks sting deeply. But I’ve learned that only 10 per cent of what happens is about the event, the other 90 per cent is how you respond to it.
Another challenge is producing a book that doesn’t sell, especially when the budget is tight. Over time, I’ve adapted by producing smaller quantities based on demand. For example, for an upcoming book fair, I’ll print only a few copies as needed. People often ask about my sales numbers or income, but I’ve learned to keep such details private, as there are always those waiting to criticise rather than support. Ultimately, staying focused on the purpose behind my work keeps me grounded.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: In today’s digital age, with e-books on the rise, how do you inspire young people to engage with reading?
Qayyum: Initially, I was concerned that digital media and e-books might mean the end of physical books. I have a love for printed books, so it was a worry. But I found that people still seek out physical books because digital content often comes with distractions such as notifications and other interruptions. When they need focus, many turn back to physical books.To engage young people, I think it’s essential to communicate the value of books. Sharing meaningful content about these books can spark interest, even if I’m not very active on social media myself. When people meet me in person, I aim to share knowledge directly, what I call ‘knowledge cash’.
Young people have both needs and wants, but we need to help them see knowledge as a necessity, not just a want. For instance, in Indonesia, they focus on turning wants into needs. We need to raise awareness that knowledge is crucial for navigating the world, especially as technology advances. For example, understanding how to manage your smartphone can prevent scams. This practical knowledge can help them with things like digital payments, which are becoming essential skills.
In school, young people are somewhat directed, but teachers and educational authorities play a significant role in building lifelong reading habits. Without these programmes, they may read less once they’re on their own, which creates a fear of the unknown. Reading builds the knowledge needed to face life with confidence, much like how I feel prepared because I’ve studied and practiced for this moment.
Today’s challenge is to inspire young people to read rather than just focus on gadgets. Reading empowers us with knowledge that should be shared. In crises, people can panic because they don’t know their capabilities. Imagine an egg, if it breaks too early, it’s wasted. But if it breaks when ready, a chick emerges. We need to nurture readiness in young people so they’re resilient, even if technology fails or social media shuts down.
Another way to inspire youth is by understanding two spheres, the circle of concern and the circle of influence. For example, my children are my circle of concern, hence, I’m focused on guiding them toward reading. But the broader circle of influence includes others I can’t directly guide. For teens, their circles of concern are usually their parents and teachers, who shape them. We need to help young people realise that genuine knowledge, not just perceived intelligence, builds true confidence and resilience.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What are your hopes for today’s youth when it comes to reading and personal growth?
Qayyum: My hope is that youth will recognise the value of knowledge as essential for mastery in any field. Financially, I compare it to wealth, two people with the same resources may use them very differently. Those who earn wealth through effort often know how to grow it, while an uninformed inheritor may squander it. Knowledge empowers us to create lasting value.
I want young people to develop qualities like resilience, determination, competitiveness, and the skill to filter criticism constructively. Filtering criticism allows you to choose what to let in, preventing being overwhelmed. Imagination, too, is crucial, it’s our moral guide and adds depth to our decisions. Core values help youth carry this value wherever they go, giving meaning to their lives.
When you step out and try, you learn. Like an umbrella, if you don’t open it in the rain, you’ll get wet. Our minds are like that umbrella, they only protect us when opened and engaged. I encourage young people to carry a pen and notebook, ready to capture ideas, hopes, and dreams, and to seek solutions instead of excuses. Let’s all look at life from a bird’s-eye view, embracing opportunities for growth and exploration.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What types of books do you find yourself reaching for most often, and which influential figures have had the greatest impact on you?
Qayyum: I often read books about influential figures and motivation, as these topics offer valuable insights. I find motivational talks and educational lectures particularly enriching because they condense a wealth of knowledge into a short period, a speaker who talks for half an hour has likely read many books. The life experiences of figures like Mahdi, Ibrahim, Nelson Mandela, Hamka, and Gandhi are especially compelling, showcasing rich journeys and lessons learned.
Among these influential figures, I hold Prophet Muhammad SAW in high regard for his incredible 23-year struggle, which I find fascinating. I also admire Nelson Mandela for his resilience and positivity during his time in prison, rising from being an outcast to a revered leader. As for my own accomplishments, I have authored a total of 215 books, and I aim to reach 230 by the end of this year. I’m committed to my work with a hashtag, as long as I’m healthy, I won’t rest.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: Have you ever experience writer’s block and how do you overcome it?
Qayyum: Writer’s block can be challenging when thoughts suddenly cease to flow. In such moments, it’s essential to step back from your routine and engage in different activities. The key is to retreat, not surrender, this allows you to strategise rather than remain stuck like a hamster running in place. I learned from a salesman that if one door closes, you should create another. Life offers numerous options, so it’s crucial to find new pathways and avoid getting trapped in difficult situations.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Qayyum: My advice is simple. If you can write a book in 10 days, don’t aim for 10 days. You’ll just stress yourself. If you can finish a book in three months, that’s a success. It means don’t be too busy trying to follow others. Be yourself, and take inspiration from others’ successes. Follow your own capacity.
So, from my experience, if you want to write, just start. It’s okay if it’s slow. Late but sure. Just don’t do nothing at all. Another thing, once you start, make sure to finish. Finish what you start. Don’t give up halfway. You must have the resolve. Your dignity is at stake, you’ve started, so you must finish. Keep searching for solutions. If you get stuck, find out where. If you need ideas, don’t run away. You need to break through that barrier. Like a net, if it gets tangled, untangle it and find a solution. And make sure it gets done.
Because if you’re used to disappointment and not finishing things, you’ll collect that disappointment and become anxious. That’s true. Do small things with a big heart. Let your dreams be big, but start small. Take small steps. That’s how it goes. At home, if you want to clean the whole house, you might not start at all. Start by cleaning the front first. Clean the living room. Clean the bathroom. Bit by bit. The same goes for your thesis. How can you finish your thesis, your studies, anything? In life, you need to organise, plan, and execute.
