KUALA LUMPUR: When Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha successfully docked at the International Space Station last year, he was not merely fulfilling one man's dream.
Malaysia's first angkasawan was also realising the nation's aspirations to venture into the last frontier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
Paraphrasing the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Najib said: "Let no one belittle or deny this achievement. It may be a small step for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, but for Malaysia, as a nation, it is giant leap forward."
Najib said this at the book launch of Reaching for the Stars, written by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's younger brother, Sheikh Mustapha Shukor Al-Masrie, who died last year.
The book not only provides a personal account of the bond between the brothers, it also chronicles the angkasawan's journey from the time he was short-listed, trained, selected, and subsequently made his historic trip to space.
Mustapha, or "Ajil", 32, died without regaining consciousness after knocking into a pillar outside a restaurant in Jalan Klang Lama here on Oct 26.
Najib said the government's decision to send a Malaysian to space was a right one, as it had captured the imagination of those who dared to dream.
To underline this fact, Najib pointed out that before Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's space odyssey, almost all of the students who received awards from him would normally list, among others, medicine, engineering and law as the profession that they would most like to venture into. "
But not anymore. Now, many would say that they are aiming to be an angkasawan."
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said his brother's death was a tragic moment for the family, more so for him personally as it happened just hours before he was due to return to Earth."
Among the five (siblings), the two of us shared this unbreakable bond since we were young. Today (the book launch) is not about me, it is about my brother."
His father, Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Syed Shukor, in his speech, spoke about how he had trained his five boys to face the hard knocks in life. "
Words cannot describe the feelings of a father who had experienced a joyous occasion and a tragic moment, both at the same time."
In Reaching for the Stars, Sheikh Mustapha wrote about his perspective on his brother's journey to space in the first part of the book.
The second part is a tribute to the author himself from his parents, his wife and four brothers.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sadness and joy for memories
GEORGE TOWN: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness when he talks about the book Reaching for the Stars.
The book, to be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur today, was written by his younger brother, Sheikh Mustapha Shukor Al-Masrie, who died last year.
"My brother was the catalyst for my success and my trip into space. It is my tribute to him," said Malaysia's first astronaut, who had the book published. He is also writing his own account of his adventures.
Mustapha, or "Ajil", died after knocking into a pillar outside a restaurant in Jalan Klang Lama in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.
Dr Muszaphar said proceeds from the sale of the book would go to his brother's family. He was speaking after autographing copies of the book at the Brain Awareness Week at Universiti Sains Malaysia yesterday.
He said the response to the book had been tremendous, with 700 copies sold in Sibu in a day and equally good sales elsewhere in the country.
Dr Muszaphar said he would help Malaysians, especially students, change their mindset. "My mission is to make Malaysians believe in themselves and be positive about life."
Dr Muszaphar said he would share with them his experience in space last year.
"Accomplishing the space mission was a great achievement for the country and myself."
The book, to be launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur today, was written by his younger brother, Sheikh Mustapha Shukor Al-Masrie, who died last year.
"My brother was the catalyst for my success and my trip into space. It is my tribute to him," said Malaysia's first astronaut, who had the book published. He is also writing his own account of his adventures.
Mustapha, or "Ajil", died after knocking into a pillar outside a restaurant in Jalan Klang Lama in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.
Dr Muszaphar said proceeds from the sale of the book would go to his brother's family. He was speaking after autographing copies of the book at the Brain Awareness Week at Universiti Sains Malaysia yesterday.
He said the response to the book had been tremendous, with 700 copies sold in Sibu in a day and equally good sales elsewhere in the country.
Dr Muszaphar said he would help Malaysians, especially students, change their mindset. "My mission is to make Malaysians believe in themselves and be positive about life."
Dr Muszaphar said he would share with them his experience in space last year.
"Accomplishing the space mission was a great achievement for the country and myself."
Thursday, March 27, 2008
MOSTI to retain policies under new minister
PUTRAJAYA, Mon:
"Only then can we think about new initiatives that need to be carried out to stir the people's interest in science and technology," he said at a handing-over-of-duties ceremony at his ministry here, formally taking over from former minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis. Also present was newly-appointed deputy minister Fadillah Yusof.
On the top of Ongkili's agenda is the need to dispel the notion among some that science and technology was only for the elite and those trained in the fields.
On plans to send Mej. Dr Mohd Faiz Khaleed to the international space station (ISS) in 2011, he said it would go on as planned.
He said the Malaysian Space Programme would also have value-added factors to increase public awareness of advancements in science and technology.
“All programmes under the Ministry would be value-added so that the importance of science and technology will reach rural folk,” he said.
The new Science, Technology and Innovation minister has promised that old policies will stay. Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said he will be meeting department heads over the next month to keep track of the progress of ongoing programmes and those in the pipeline.
On the top of Ongkili's agenda is the need to dispel the notion among some that science and technology was only for the elite and those trained in the fields.
On plans to send Mej. Dr Mohd Faiz Khaleed to the international space station (ISS) in 2011, he said it would go on as planned.
He said the Malaysian Space Programme would also have value-added factors to increase public awareness of advancements in science and technology.
Sadness and joy for memories
GEORGE TOWN: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness when he talks about the book Reaching for the Stars.
"My brother was the catalyst for my success and my trip into space. It is my tribute to him," said Malaysia's first astronaut, who had the book published. He is also writing his own account of his adventures.
Mustapha, or "Ajil", died after knocking into a pillar outside a restaurant in Jalan Klang Lama in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.
Dr Muszaphar said proceeds from the sale of the book would go to his brother's family. He was speaking after autographing copies of the book at the Brain Awareness Week at Universiti Sains Malaysia yesterday.
Dr Muszaphar said he would help Malaysians, especially students, change their mindset. "My mission is to make Malaysians believe in themselves and be positive about life."
Dr Muszaphar said he would share with them his experience in space last year.
"Accomplishing the space mission was a great achievement for the country and myself."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Mazlan: Young must carry space dream
GEORGE TOWN: Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman wants the younger generation to continue to develop the field of space science.
Mazlan said her dream, going back 25 years, of Malaysia becoming a respected country in space science was bearing fruit.
"I have moved on to the international stage at the United Nations, and now the task of developing space science in the country must be continued by the younger generation," she said after receiving her award from USM Chancellor Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.
Present were the Raja Perempuan Perlis Tuanku Fauziah, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff and USM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.
Mazlan said knowledge and a strong will to succeed were vital to ensure that one's dream came true.
She said one of her sweetest successes was helping Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha realise his dream to go into space.
"The younger generation should have confidence and courage to delve into whatever field they want to."
Mazlan said she hoped more Malaysian scientists would explore space.
"I would also like to congratulate Dr Sheikh Muszaphar who received the Anugerah Kencana Canselor in recognition of being the first Malaysian in space."
Earlier, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said the graduates should play their role in helping society because they were the agents of change and development.
He urged them to play their roles intellectually, to utilise the opportunities available, and to be innovative in facing competition.
Read: A love that outshines the stars
SPACE, according to our 35-year-old astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, is magical and spectacular.
“Each time I look out and see Earth way down below, I get goosebumps. Earth is so small, yet people fight and kill.”
A sad smile formed on that well-known face.
“I could also see Earth’s pollution from space.”
An orthopedic surgeon by training, Muszaphar still practises so as not to lose touch with his training.
“It is a little tricky, what with my commitment to MOSTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation) and the National Space Agency,” he said. I met him at a book store and he was in a dark Mao-collared jacket and pants.
He was there to talk about the book his younger brother, Sheikh Mustapha Shukor (fondly known as Ajil), wrote before his fateful death on Oct 27 last year after a fall. The book is called Reaching for The Stars.
“He must have started it (the book) around the time I first left for Russia, in October of 2006. I had no idea he was writing it. After his death, we found a soft copy of the manuscript on his laptop in his bedroom,” said Muszaphar, a twinge of pain crossing his face.
The book is about Muszaphar’s journey in becoming an astronaut. It chronicled him being shortlisted, trained, chosen and finally, Ajil’s point of view of his brother’s take-off, journey to and return from space.
Alas, Ajil never got to ask the question at the end of the book about praying in space. He died just five days after his older brother landed back on Earth.
Ajil, the fourth of five siblings, was three years younger than Muszaphar.
Although all five brothers are close, Muszaphar and Ajil really bonded when they went to India to study medicine.
“We were there for close to three years,” recalled Muszaphar.
“While there (in India), the struggle with studies and life in general brought us closer. He (Ajil) would do anything for me,” Muszaphar said.
Ajil’s two young children have a father figure in Muszaphar.
“I will take care of them (the children). The sales from this book goes into their tertiary education fund.”
Muszaphar added: “I never knew or even guessed just how much Ajil looked up to me.”
The realisation came when he saw in Ajil’s room the four walls filled with clippings, photos and news about Muszaphar.
The book is testament to Ajil’s admiration for all that his older brother had actualised.
“I wished I had the chance to tell him that I couldn’t have done it without his faith in my abilities. That we did it all together.” he said.
In many ways, all Muszaphar wanted was to make a difference.
“Especially with children through education. They’ve always been my focus. My having been in space makes the idea of going there somewhat accessible to them. It is not just something to dream about any longer.”
Any thought of stepping into the political arena?
“Funny thing is, I am reading a lot about politics right now. I have an incredible interest in it. To answer your question, well, if it is a way to make a change and create a better place for children, then why not?”
What happens now? What is next for Muszaphar?
He has been launched into space, has handled medical disorders of the human skeletal system and, in his younger years, appeared in numerous television commercials.
“I have two other passions,” he replied slowly, with a shy smile. “I’d like to be a pilot by 2013.”
Why 2013? “Because that is the deadline I have given myself. It can’t be earlier, what with all that is happening currently in my life.”
What’s his second passion?
“To work as a doctor in Africa.”
Is there any wonder why Ajil was such a fan?
“Each time I look out and see Earth way down below, I get goosebumps. Earth is so small, yet people fight and kill.”
A sad smile formed on that well-known face.
“I could also see Earth’s pollution from space.”
“It is a little tricky, what with my commitment to MOSTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation) and the National Space Agency,” he said. I met him at a book store and he was in a dark Mao-collared jacket and pants.
He was there to talk about the book his younger brother, Sheikh Mustapha Shukor (fondly known as Ajil), wrote before his fateful death on Oct 27 last year after a fall. The book is called Reaching for The Stars.
“He must have started it (the book) around the time I first left for Russia, in October of 2006. I had no idea he was writing it. After his death, we found a soft copy of the manuscript on his laptop in his bedroom,” said Muszaphar, a twinge of pain crossing his face.
The book is about Muszaphar’s journey in becoming an astronaut. It chronicled him being shortlisted, trained, chosen and finally, Ajil’s point of view of his brother’s take-off, journey to and return from space.
Alas, Ajil never got to ask the question at the end of the book about praying in space. He died just five days after his older brother landed back on Earth.
Ajil, the fourth of five siblings, was three years younger than Muszaphar.
Although all five brothers are close, Muszaphar and Ajil really bonded when they went to India to study medicine.
“We were there for close to three years,” recalled Muszaphar.
“While there (in India), the struggle with studies and life in general brought us closer. He (Ajil) would do anything for me,” Muszaphar said.
Ajil’s two young children have a father figure in Muszaphar.
“I will take care of them (the children). The sales from this book goes into their tertiary education fund.”
Muszaphar added: “I never knew or even guessed just how much Ajil looked up to me.”
The realisation came when he saw in Ajil’s room the four walls filled with clippings, photos and news about Muszaphar.
The book is testament to Ajil’s admiration for all that his older brother had actualised.
“I wished I had the chance to tell him that I couldn’t have done it without his faith in my abilities. That we did it all together.” he said.
In many ways, all Muszaphar wanted was to make a difference.
“Especially with children through education. They’ve always been my focus. My having been in space makes the idea of going there somewhat accessible to them. It is not just something to dream about any longer.”
Any thought of stepping into the political arena?
“Funny thing is, I am reading a lot about politics right now. I have an incredible interest in it. To answer your question, well, if it is a way to make a change and create a better place for children, then why not?”
What happens now? What is next for Muszaphar?
He has been launched into space, has handled medical disorders of the human skeletal system and, in his younger years, appeared in numerous television commercials.
“I have two other passions,” he replied slowly, with a shy smile. “I’d like to be a pilot by 2013.”
Why 2013? “Because that is the deadline I have given myself. It can’t be earlier, what with all that is happening currently in my life.”
What’s his second passion?
“To work as a doctor in Africa.”
Is there any wonder why Ajil was such a fan?
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Dr Faiz a role model for NS trainees
PEKAN: Mej Dr Faiz Khaleed, who will become the nation's second astronaut, has been designated a role model for National Service trainees.
His appointment was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at a gathering of about 3,000 NS trainees from various camps here.
Najib said Dr Faiz's experiences in the space programme could inspire them to achieve their dreams.
"Faiz has proved that being disciplined, focused and committed can enable anyone to achieve things previously thought impossible."
Najib said the government was in the process of finalising negotiations with the Russian government for a second space mission.
He said the mission, which could take place in 2010 or 2011, would enable Dr Faiz to become the country's second angkasawan.
The 27-year-old Armed Forces dentist was honoured to be appointed a role model for NS trainees.
"I am very excited and hope to start work at NS camps soon."
ELECTION 2008: Angkasawan may enter politics
Datuk Seri Najib Razak greeting Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha at a meet-the-people session at the DRB Hicom plant in Pekan. PEKAN: "If joining politics is a way of making this world a better place, then I will never hesitate to be part of it," said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha.
"I am going round to share my knowledge and experience from the angkasawan space programme."
Sheikh Muszaphar was at a meet-the-people session at the DRB Hicom plant here yesterday as part of his road tour. It was attended by students of four schools in this district and workers of the plant.
The Selangor-born astronaut said he tried to avoid talking about politics while on his road tour despite the current election fever.
"I love all the attention that I get from people as, wherever I go, they would come up to me for an autograph, picture or a simple chat on my experience at space.
"During my visits to the rural areas, many villagers and young children approach me. When I see the glow in their eyes, I am inspired.
"It gives me pleasure when 5-year-olds tell me they, too, want to go to space."
When it was suggested that being a well-known figure, and a good looking one at that, would help him do well in politics, Sheikh Muszaphar laughed. -- By T.N. Alagesh
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