By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 5: Sarawakian activist Peter John Jaban has called on the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to confer a posthumous Datukship on the late veteran journalist James Ritchie, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to journalism and public discourse in Sarawak and Malaysia.
In a press statement issued this morning, Peter John said Ritchie’s over 40 years of service in journalism—including his work chronicling Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, indigenous communities, and the evolution of modern Malaysia—deserves formal recognition at the state level.
“His body of work is not only a valuable archive of our State’s identity but a testament to the power of journalism to connect communities and preserve history,” he said.
Peter John, who was named one of Reporters Without Borders’ 100 Information Heroes in 2014, stated that Ritchie’s contributions extend beyond conventional reporting, describing him as a trusted voice on Sarawak affairs and a mentor to young journalists.
He asserted that conferring a Datukship on Ritchie would honour not only the individual but also underscore the importance of ethical journalism in society.
“At a time when press freedom is increasingly under pressure, such recognition sends a strong message about the value we place on truth, transparency, and service to the people,” he said. — DayakDaily
