It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we bid farewell to the editor, Joseph Bingkasan, who passed away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2 on April 21, 2026.
The late Joseph Bingkasan, known fondly as JB to his media friends, was a veteran Sabah journalist who began his journalistic journey at the Kinabalu Sabah Times in 1977 prior to joining the New Straits Times as a correspondent in Sabah.
JB was also stationed at the London’s New Straits Times office (Times of Malaysia London Ltd) before being appointed as Sabah’s and Sarawak’s NST’s Chief Editorial.
Talantang.com is JB’s brainchild. He created it from scratch, with funding coming from his own pocket, and writes most of the reports himself, aside from the contributions from a few of his old friends. Through the website, he was able to communicate and continue to writing, and remain committed to the journalism, right to the end.
To delve deeper into the man who was the beating heart of this website, his writings are here, his opinions, his ideas, his passion and love for his art.
I join those who mourn his death, of losing a friend. This morning, when I heard the news of JB’s passing, I felt a pang of heartbreak. Though it was inevitable: he was unwell, and has been unwell for sometime. He was suffering from end stage renal failure that required him to undergo long hours and painful dialysis treatment thrice weekly. Which tells us even more about the man — he persevered to bring the latest news even in his moments of difficulties and remained committed.
My condolence goes to his family. May JB’s soul rest in peace. Heaven has gained another good servant. Adieu my friend.
