KUCHING: James Alexander Ritchie, a respected journalist with a remarkable career in Sarawak, has expressed his immense gratitude for being bestowed with the prestigious Special Jury Award at the annual Malaysia Press Institute (MPI) Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards 2023.
In an interview with New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday (June 14), Ritchie, who has garnered numerous accolades throughout his 50 years in the field of writing and journalism, described the recognition as a great honor.
“I feel very honoured and thankful. It is a prestigious recognition for my hard work throughout my career as a journalist.”
Ritchie was among the 18 distinguished awardees at the renowned journalism event, and he became among the few Malaysian to receive the Special Jury Award since its establishment in 2020.
Another notable figure from Sarawak, Datuk Henry Lau Lee Kong, the managing director of The Borneo Post and See Hua Daily News, also secured an award at the ceremony. He was honoured with the Media Icon award.
Expressing his surprise at winning the award, Ritchie admitted, “I didn’t know about it.”
He further revealed that his lack of awareness had led him to miss the event and the opportunity to personally receive the award from his idol, politician and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Nevertheless, he expressed his genuine appreciation for the honour bestowed upon him. The award also came with a RM10,000 cash incentive.
Ritchie, born in Penang, has amassed more than 20 journalism awards throughout his career, including the Ang Lai Soon Gold Award, Shell Kenyalang Gold Award, AZAM Press Award, and a consolation prize in the Esso National Environmental Awards from 1986 to 2010.
In addition to his achievements in journalism, Ritchie is an accomplished author with 26 books to his name.
He recently launched his latest book, “Celebrating the Life of Tok Nan”, on May 21. Furthermore, he shared that he is currently working on two books, which continue the narrative of the late environmental activist Bruno Manser.
The MPI Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards takes place annually to recognise exceptional journalists and their contributions throughout the year, while promoting ethical journalism practices.
Media organisations and individuals are eligible for nomination for the special awards, including Tokoh Wartawan Negara, Tokoh Media Negara, and the Special Jury
