KUCHING: The media fraternity mourns the loss of a renowned veteran journalist following the passing of James Alexander Ritchie at the age of 74.
James drew his last breath at the Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) this morning.
The National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 Award recipient’s passing was shared via a message in a local media WhatsApp group earlier today.
Although born in Penang, James made Sarawak his home since the 1960s when his father, Datuk Seri John Ritchie, served as the Sarawak Police Commissioner.
From that moment on, the Land of the Hornbill became the battleground for his journalistic journey, which spanned over five decades.
James began his journalism career in 1971 as a trainee reporter at The Straits Times in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 23.
He showed extraordinary interest and determination in the world of reporting, particularly in crime journalism.
After nearly a decade working in Peninsular Malaysia, James was selected by New Straits Times to become the first full-time reporter in Sarawak in the early 1980s – an enormous responsibility he carried out with deep dedication.
This role enabled him to travel to every corner of Sarawak, uncovering stories and realities of rural communities that were rarely featured in mainstream media at the time.
Throughout more than 50 years in journalism, James held numerous key positions, including editorial adviser and executive director of Eastern Times in 2006, executive director of Sarawak Tribune in 2010, media consultant for Sarawak Digest, and special writer for Sarawak Tribune in 2022.
He was also awarded the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 Award, the country’s highest accolade in journalism, which acknowledged his significant contributions to the field.
In an interview after receiving the award, James shared that he was often dubbed ‘Serpico’, the character played by Al Pacino in the film about a principled police officer – owing to his swift and brave reporting from the scene of incidents.
“Sometimes you’re praised, other times criticised. But in the end, you still need to carry out your duty as a journalist. There are times when you may unintentionally hurt others.
“When you make a mistake, you must learn from it. Tell yourself – I’ll do better next time.
“No journalist is perfect, but we can all keep learning. What I can say is that I’m truly grateful to have been chosen for this award. It really means a lot,” he said at the time.
Among the high-profile events he covered were the Japanese Red Army’s attack on the US Embassy at the AIA Building in Kuala Lumpur, the arrest of the ‘Master of Disguise’, Lai See Kiaw, and reports on the infamous criminal, Wong Swee Chin, better known as Botak Chin.
Beyond journalism, he was also active in sports, representing the Selangor and Malaysian rugby teams, and playing as a winger for the renowned Cobra Club.
He personally witnessed the biggest political crisis in Sarawak’s history in 1987, when the leadershio of the then Chief Minister, the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, was challenged by a group of politicians.
That historical moment inspired James to write his first book titled ‘Abdul Taib – A Gentleman’s Victory’ at the age of 37.
The book paved the way for 44 more publications, bringing the total number of books he authored in his lifetime to 45, including his most well-known work on Swiss environmental activist, Bruno Manser, who lived among the Penan people in Baram.
James leaves behind not only a legacy as an outstanding journalist but also as someone who understood the heartbeat of the people and spotlighted untold stories.
His legacy will live on in every article and book, and in the memories of his fellow journalists and the readers who cherished his work.
His passing is a tremendous loss to the world of journalism, especially in Sarawak.
However, the spirit and dedication he left behind will continue to inspire future generations of journalists.
