By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 17: The Sarawak media fraternity paid tribute to 11 media practitioners who have passed away over the past two years, remembering their contributions and dedication to the industry during the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2026.
During the SMEC 2026 dinner held at Pullman Hotel here last night (July 16) in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol took time during his speech to honour departed media colleagues through a special tribute video screening.
The tribute featured media personnel who had contributed to the growth and development of Sarawak’s media landscape through their years of service, dedication and commitment to journalism.
Those remembered were Valentine Tawie Salok (1954-2025), Dato James Alexander Ritchie (1950-2025), Muhamad Razali Nordin (1971-2026), Irwan Budi Annuar (1974-2025), John Cosmas Gugot (1954-2025), Joseph Bingkasan (1955-2026), Maffizan Saupie (1985-2025), Normore Entimok Mullie@Norma Ejmleu (1969-2026), Nicholason Encharang (1995-2026), Mohamad Achil Norrlatep (1983-2026) and Georgina Clare Nyotis (1980-2025).
Abdullah said the contributions, struggles and dedication of those who had served the media fraternity would continue to be remembered.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remember our friends in the media fraternity who have left us this year and last year.
“We pray that their souls will always be blessed with His love and protection, and that their struggles, dedication and perseverance while they were with us will always be remembered,” he said.
The dinner was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Brunei’s Consul-General to Sarawak, Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Ghani; Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan; and Sarawak Media Group chairperson Dato Norhyati Mohd Ismail. — DayakDaily
