KUCHING: The family of the late veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie today received a contribution under the Kasih@HAWANA Fund X TM, in recognition of his more than 50 years of service to journalism.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching presented the contribution to his wife, Helen Tan, during a visit to the family at Tabuan Desa here, as part of the ministry’s efforts to convey its condolences following James’ passing in May last year.
“James was indeed a prominent figure and a journalist who served in this field for more than 50 years.
“Although he was from Penang, he had lived here in Borneo for a long time. In fact, he was the first person to represent or bring the New Straits Times here,” she said when met by reporters here today (Sept 16).
James received the 2024 Hawana Award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Hawana celebrations held in Kuching that year.
Teo said James’ contributions to journalism, particularly in Borneo, would continue to be remembered.
“We also want to tell them that James will be forever remembered,” she said.
She said the Hawana Fund was established in 2023 during the Hawana celebrations to provide assistance to members of the media fraternity and their families.
“For this year, as of today (Sept 16), we have made contributions to 241 recipients, involving a total of RM735,000.
“Of these, 35 recipients are from Sarawak, including the family of the late James Ritchie,” she said.
Meanwhile, James’ daughter Rebekah Ritchie said she was proud to see her father remembered on such a significant day as Malaysia Day, especially given his deep passion for Malaysia and Sarawak.
“I feel very proud of my father to have him remembered on a very significant day like today, Malaysia Day, because one of his great passions was Malaysia and Sarawak.
“Something he wrote about was historical figures because he did not want local people to forget about them,” she said.
Rebekah said the family found it heartwarming that people had similarly not forgotten her father and his contributions.
“So it feels very heartwarming that people haven’t forgotten about my dad either,” she said.
