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."