Veteran Sarawak journalist James Ritchie dies at 75
The death of veteran journalist James Ritchie was confirmed by former state assembly speaker Robert Jacob Ridu, who is also a family member. (James Ritchie pic)
KUCHING : Veteran journalist James Ritchie died at the Sarawak General Hospital today. He was 75.
His death was confirmed by former Sarawak state assembly speaker Robert Jacob Ridu, who is also a family member.
'We are saddened to inform you that veteran journalist Mr James Ritchie, who is also family to me, has gone to be with the Lord. He passed away peacefully at SGH today. May his soul rest in eternal peace,' Ridu said in a short statement to the media here.
Ritchie was conferred the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2024 award during celebrations held here last year in recognition of his decades-long contributions to the field.
Starting as a cadet journalist at New Straits Times in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 23, he slowly climbed the ladder in the journalism industry, particularly in Sarawak.
Among the other positions he held were public relations officer at the Sarawak chief minister's department (1998) and media consultant for Sarawak Digest (2022).
He was also a winner of the Shell Kenyalang Gold Award, the AZAM Press Award, and the Ang Lai Soon Gold Award.
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