KUCHING: Head of State, Tun Pehin Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have expressed their sadness over the passing of James Alexander Ritchie.
In conveying their heartfelt condolences and sympathy to James’ family, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah said the former was a dear friend, a veteran journalist, author and long-serving contributor to Sarawak’s historical and cultural narrative.
“We are really saddened by this untimely demise.
“He was a wonderful person, and I will always remember and cherish the memory of the son of my Commissioner, a friend and co-writer in our books.
“He was always very generous with words of praise to me. I have known him since his school days at St Thomas’ Secondary School, Kuching,” said Wan Junaidi.
Wan Junaidi then recalled the days when he was an Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to James’ father, Datuk Seri John Ritchie, the Police Commissioner of Sarawak in 1968.
“Yet, I was not treated like an officer of the force serving the Commissioner but as a member of the family. We continued to be friends until today,” he said.
James had most recently been working on a biographical project focused on the Head of State’s public life and contributions.
A meeting had been scheduled for May 5 to review the progress of the manuscript.
“Actually, we are scheduled to have a meeting this coming Monday to see the progress of his writing of a book on me, but God had other plans for him,” he said.
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah also said their hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.
“May his family be surrounded by love and support as they go through this difficult time, and may the cherished memories of their loved one bring them solace and strength,” they said.
