Kuching: Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have expressed their condolences to the family of veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie, who passed away at the Sarawak General Hospital. Wan Junaidi described Ritchie as a wonderful person and a dear friend, recalling their long-standing relationship and shared history.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Junaidi shared fond memories of Ritchie, emphasizing their connection since Ritchie’s school days at St Thomas’ secondary school in Kuching. Wan Junaidi’s early association with the Ritchie family began when he served as Aide-de-Camp to James’ father, Datuk Seri John Ritchie, the Police Commissioner of Sarawak in 1968. He noted that he was treated as a family member rather than just an officer, and their friendship endured over the years.

Wan Junaidi also mentioned that he and Ritchie were scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the progress of a book Ritchie was writing about him. However, he acknowledged that fate had other plans, and offered his support and condolences to Ritchie’s family, hoping that cherished memories would provide them strength in this difficult time.

The passing of James Ritchie, aged 75, was confirmed by Datuk Seri Robert Jacob Ridu, a former Sarawak State Assembly speaker and a family member. Ritchie began his journalism career in 1971 and was recognized for his significant contributions to Malaysian journalism, including receiving the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 Award, presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ritchie’s career in journalism spanned five decades, beginning as a cadet journalist at the Straits Times at the age of 23. He covered high-profile stories, such as the Japanese Red Army’s raid on the American Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the capture of notorious figures like Lai See Kiaw and Wong Swee Chin, famously known as ‘Botak Chin.’

Throughout his career, Ritchie held various roles in journalism and media, including positions with Sarawak New Straits Times, Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department, Sarawak Digest, Sarawak Tribune, Eastern Times, and New Sarawak Tribune. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Shell Kenyalang Gold Award, AZAM Press Award, and Ang Lai Soon Gold Award.