Lt Col James Tomlow Isa, first Iban ranger officer, remembered as ‘Father of Rangers’

The late Lt Col James Tomlow Isa.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 8: The late Lt Col James Tomlow Isa, the first Sarawakian and first Iban to be commissioned as an officer in the Sarawak Rangers, will forever be remembered as one of the true pioneers and “Fathers of the Rangers”, whose legacy helped shape the identity, spirit and fighting tradition of the Malaysian Rangers Regiment.

The Ranger Corps Veterans Association has paid tribute to the retired officer, affectionately known as “Apai Jimmy” and “Apai Rangers”, describing his passing on April 25, 2026 as a profound loss not only to his family, but also to the entire Rangers fraternity, the Malaysian Armed Forces, and the people of Sarawak.

In its statement, the association said Tomlow stood as a towering figure in the history of the nation’s elite fighting force, bridging the legacy of the colonial-era Sarawak Rangers with the formation of the Malaysian Rangers following the birth of Malaysia in 1963.

Born on Jan 28, 1938 in Sungai Gran, Sri Aman, Tomlow came from a humble family of 10 siblings. Raised with strong values of discipline, respect and perseverance, those early foundations would later define his military career and lifelong service to the nation.

He enlisted in the Sarawak Rangers on Aug 7, 1959 as a rank-and-file soldier before rising through the ranks through determination and leadership. In 1960, he was selected for officer training at Eaton Hall in the United Kingdom and went on to become one of the earliest Iban and Sarawakian officers commissioned in the force on Sept 16, 1963.

“He became the bridge between the legendary Sarawak Rangers under British administration and the emergence of the Malaysian Rangers following the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

“His story is far greater than the achievements of one soldier. It is the story of courage forged in hardship, loyalty tested through conflict, and leadership built upon sacrifice and honour. His life embodied patriotism in its purest form — the willingness to place duty above self and nation above comfort.

“Without the name of James Tomlow Isa, the history of the Sarawak Rangers and the Malaysian Rangers Regiment would remain incomplete,” the association said.

His commission marked a historic milestone, inspiring generations of young Sarawakians to pursue military service. According to the association, his journey symbolised both opportunity and transformation at a time when indigenous representation in military leadership was still emerging.

During the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, he played an active role in recruiting early pioneers of the 1st Battalion Malaysian Rangers, serving during a period marked by intense conflict and national uncertainty.

“During those dangerous and uncertain times, the Sarawak Rangers stood courageously at the frontlines defending the nation. Like many warriors of his generation, much of his sacrifice was carried out quietly, without seeking recognition, but always with unwavering loyalty to duty and country,” the association stated.

Throughout his 25 years in the Malaysian Armed Forces (1959–1984), Tomlow held various operational, command and staff positions, contributing significantly to the professionalism and reputation of the Rangers Regiment.

In 1977, during the height of the RASCOM era and communist insurgency, he took command of the 2nd Battalion Malaysian Rangers under the Royal Ranger Regiment. He was known as a strict and disciplined commanding officer who upheld high standards of military conduct, yet remained deeply compassionate toward the welfare of his men.

“Apai Jimmy was not only a commander, but also a mentor, protector and father figure to those under his care,” the statement said, adding that he earned respect through fairness, sincerity and integrity rather than fear or intimidation.

Described as an “officer and a gentleman,” he was known for his humility, honesty and simplicity. Even after his retirement in 1984, his commitment to service continued. He later served as Head of Security at Malaysia LNG (MLNG) Bintulu until 1996, and subsequently as Mayor of Sri Aman Division from 2000 to 2004.

The association emphasised that wherever he served, he carried the same values that defined his military life—discipline, duty, fairness and service to others.

Tomlow’s contributions were formally recognised through numerous honours, including the Kesatria Angkatan Tentera (KAT), Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN), Pingat Khidmat Berbakti, Pingat Perkhidmatan Malaysia, Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti Sarawak, General Service Medals (Borneo and Malaya), Ahli Bintang Sarawak, and Ahli Mangku Negara.
The association said his passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Rangers Regiment, but stressed that his legacy would continue to live on through the enduring motto of the Rangers: “Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban” (As long as there is life, there is fight).

“For the younger generation, Apai Jimmy’s life is proof that greatness is not defined by status, but by character, sacrifice and integrity,” the statement said.

The association has also called for the Sarawak government to consider a posthumous state honour carrying the title “Datuk” in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the nation, the armed forces and Sarawak.

“Such recognition would not merely honour one man, but also honour the sacrifices of an entire generation of Sarawakian soldiers who defended the nation during its formative years.

“More importantly, it would send a powerful message that Sarawak remembers, values, and honours its heroes. His name deserves to stand among the great sons of Sarawak who brought honour, pride, and dignity to both State and nation,” the association said.

In tribute, comrades and fellow Rangers concluded: “We will always remember your service and sacrifices, which continue to inspire and guide us. Gone from our sight, but never from our memory. Rest in eternal honour, Apai Rangers. Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban.” — DayakDaily