The making of Malaysia’s ‘Father of Development’: Astro documentary traces former PM Abdul Razak Hussein’s journey

Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s second prime minister, whose life, leadership and contributions to nation-building are explored in Astro’s documentary ‘Man Who Walked the Talk: The Tun Razak Story’. — Picture courtesy of Astro

By Ian Jeremiah Patrick

First Published: Monday, 09 Nov 2026 10:07 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 — The life and legacy of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, are coming to the screen in a new Astro documentary marking 50 years since his death.

Titled Man Who Walked the Talk: The Tun Razak Story, the documentary offers a closer look at the man widely known as the “Father of Development” (Bapa Pembangunan), whose policies helped shape Malaysia’s education, economy and rural development.

Directed by Ahmad Yazid and Izzy Ani Arope, and produced by Abdul Razak’s son, Tan Sri Nazir Razak, the 62-minute documentary combines archival footage, personal recollections and interviews with those who knew the former leader or witnessed his leadership.

Among those featured are former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, AbdulRazak’s sons Datuk Seri Nizam Razak and Datuk Ahmad Johari Razak, and Datin Kalsom Taib, daughter of the late Tan Sri Taib Andak.

Their accounts offer a more personal portrait of Abdul Razak, shedding light on his character, working relationships and approach to leadership beyond his public image.

The documentary traces his journey from his early years to his rise through Malaysia’s political establishment, exploring the principles and decisions that defined his time in office.

It also revisits some of his most significant policies, particularly those aimed at reducing poverty, improving rural infrastructure and expanding access to education and economic opportunities.

Through archival material and expert perspectives, the film examines the challenges facing Malaysia in its early years as an independent nation and how Abdul Razak’s development priorities helped shape its socioeconomic direction.

Astro’s ‘Man Who Walked the Talk: The Tun Razak Story’ revisits the life and legacy of Malaysia’s second prime minister, marking 50 years since his death. — Picture courtesy of Astro

Born on March 11, 1922, in Pekan, Pahang, Abdul Razak came from an aristocratic family and attended Malay College Kuala Kangsar before continuing his education at Raffles College in Singapore.

He later studied law at Lincoln’s Inn in Britain before returning to Malaya to pursue a career in public service.

His political career saw him serve as Pahang state secretary, acting menteri besar of Pahang, minister of education and deputy prime minister before becoming Malaysia’s second prime minister in 1970.

During his tenure, he made rural development and poverty reduction central to his administration’s agenda, earning a reputation as one of the principal architects of Malaysia’s early development policies.

Through archival footage and personal recollections, the documentary explores Tun Abdul Razak’s role in shaping Malaysia’s development and his enduring legacy. — Picture courtesy of Astro

His premiership was cut short when he died in London on January 14, 1976, aged 53, after suffering from leukaemia.

Five decades later, Man Who Walked the Talk: The Tun Razak Story revisits both his public achievements and the personal convictions that guided his leadership, examining how his legacy continues to resonate in Malaysia today.

The documentary premieres tonight on Astro Ria at 8.30pm, followed by a broadcast on Astro Prima at 9pm.