His father was Malin Batuah, a cart driver, and his mother Lian was a housewife.

[7] He later continued his studies at Ohio University, receiving his master's in botany and later a PhD in 1989.

[9] Rahman ran as the running mate to Gamawan Fauzi in West Sumatra's 2005 gubernatorial election, with the pair winning 41.54 percent of votes in a five candidate race.

[11] He was officially sworn in as governor by Fauzi on 7 December 2009, the ceremony taking place at the provincial council building's parking garage as its main room was still damaged from the September earthquake.

Although he was provided with a state funeral and his body was to be brought to the governors' office, this was cancelled due to his family's request.