Author: James Alexander Ritchie

Peter Mueller — our pioneering global hotelier

The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life. — George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright Rome was not built in a day, as the saying goes, and Peter Ernest Muller knows this too well having established the Sarawak’s first international hotel. Now called Grand

Stewart Ngau Ding — The Baram regatta connection

I’d been busy, busy, so busy, preparing for life, while life floated by me, quiet and swift as a regatta. — Lorene Cary, American author At the turn of the 20th century, “head-hunting” was rife in most parts of northern Sarawak, namely among the up-river Orang Ulu tribes. Aristocratic ancestors

Botak Chin and ‘Hero’ Kulasingam

Journalism is the protection between people and any sort of totalitarian rule. That’s why my hero, admittedly a flawed one, is a journalist. — Andrew Vachss, American author I started out as an avid enthusiast when I joined the NST as a crime reporter in 1973. Together with BeritaHarian crime

Last of the Padawan ‘Belles’

Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity. – ROBERT ALAN, AMERICAN SCREENWRITER Thirty years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a group of Bidayuh grandmothers who maintained a centuries-old tradition of wearing gold-coloured

Abang Johari — man of the moment

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. —  John Quincy Adams, sixth US President The bets are on! Can GPS do better in the 12th state election under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang

Tabuan Dayak — bastion of Dayak pride

In the enclave, the strong and the physically perfect survived, but if you were strong, you protected the weak until they had an opportunity to grow into their own power. —  Ann Aguirre, American author Long before Sarawak became independent, landless Dayaks from the interior flocked to the wetlands of

Bobby William — man with a noble mission

A man with money is no match against a man on a mission. —  Doyle Brunson, American poker player If there is anyone who is willing to sacrifice anything for his family, it’s president of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Baru, Bobby William. Formed in 1983, the Dayak-based party had

Last of the great Dayak politicians

My day has been too long. In the morning, I saw the sons of the Unarms happy and strong; and yet, before the sun has come, have I lived to see the last warrior of the wise race of the Mohicans. —  James Fenimore Cooper, American writer When deputy chief

Our forsaken sacrificial lambs!

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom. — Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter “Hancur badan ditelan tanah, budi baik di kenang juga!” is the most appropriate Malay proverb for our Sarawak heroes. It means that a man’s noble sacrifice must never be forgotten, even after

Emulating The Bushido spirit of owning up

Honour may not win power, but it wins respect. And respect earns power. – Ishida Mitsunari, samurai and military commander I was beyond the moon when Ziyad Zolkefli threw the shot put to a Paralympics world record of 17.94m in the Tokyo Games on August 31. Considering that Ziyad is