This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms.
By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw
AT Kampung Jaya, nestled in the northernmost reaches of Sarawak, James Yaakub was born in 1953. Lawas, a place where the tunes of life often followed the bouncing of a football, was where James’ story began. For the Lun Bawang youths of northern Sarawak, football was more than just a pastime—it was a way of life. And for James, it became his calling.
From a young age, the future football star’s talent was undeniable. His feet moved with great dexterity, and the ball seemed drawn to him like metal to a magnet. By 1970, James had joined the Police Field Force (PFF), a decision spurred by his deep love for football. After six months of rigorous training at the Bukit Siol training academy, James chose to stay, as the PFF offered him something invaluable—a stage to showcase his sporting prowess.
In those early days, the police force fielded four teams in Malaysia’s Division One and Two leagues, and James started his journey in Team C, under the captaincy of Michael Luang. Standing six feet tall, James cut an imposing figure as a striker, playing for both the Sarawak team and the police force. His power, precision, and presence on the field earned him a revered place in Sarawak football.
It wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of Sarawakian coach, Mohd Poasa Sahar, who called him up for the prestigious Malaysia Cup. For six or seven years in the 1970s, James became a mainstay of the team, playing alongside iconic names like Awang Mahyan, Morshidi Awet, Affendi Jol, and the late Awang Omar. Together, they elevated Sarawak’s footballing fortunes—but James’ journey did not stop at the State level.
James’ prowess transcended his local roots when in the 1980s, he became only the second Sarawakian, after Mohamad Mentali, to don the national colours. Selected alongside Morshidi Awet, it was James who made the final cut, stepping onto the national league, side by side with legendary figures such as Mokhtar Dahari and James Wong; forming a formidable trio—an era carved into Malaysia’s football history.
Yet, football was not the only stage where the Lun Bawang tribe excelled. James stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow tribesmen—Anthony Besar, Ballang Lasung, and Bala Ditta—who brought honour to the Lun Bawang people. These athletes, known as the Fab Four, became icons not just of Sarawak but of Malaysian sports as a whole.
During the Bangkok Southeast Asian (SEA) Games of 1982, James achieved what no other Sarawakian footballer had done—he became the only player from Sarawak to win a gold medal in football; an honour that would remain unmatched.
Sadly, during the twilight of his life, while serving as a security officer in Bintulu, James collapsed during what was supposed to be a simple game of badminton.
A heart attack claimed him in 2009, bringing a quiet end to a life that was defined by the joy of sport. Yet, even in death, James’ spirit and legacy endure, continually whispered through the fields and stadiums, reminding people of a man who gave everything to the game and Sarawak. –DayakDaily
