Second astronaut sees benefits of continuing space programme

KUANTAN: Malaysia's space programme should get its funds from the research and development allocation in view of its contributions to various fields, Mej Dr Faiz Khaleed said yesterday.

Dr Faiz, who will be the country's second astronaut, said the programme would not only benefit space science but would also help improve other industries including those related to medical and engineering.

"It should not only revolve around the issue of sending another Malaysian to space. We must look at the bigger picture," he said when asked to comment on the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry's decision to review the programme due to lack of funds.

Dr Faiz said the space programme should also involve other ministries and agencies as they could also benefit from it.

For example, he said the Higher Education Ministry could exploit the programme to boost research among local lecturers while the Education Ministry could use it to encourage students to excel in science and mathematics.

"Other ministries can also utilise the programme especially in mapping and telecommunication aspects," he said before giving a motivational talk to National Service (NS) trainees at the Cahaya Gemilang camp in Cherating near here.

Asked how he felt if the programme was stopped, Dr Faiz said it would be very disappointing as the country had already made a good start by sending its first angkasawan to the International Space Station.

However, Dr Faiz said he would accept whatever decision made by the government on the matter.

"I'm very grateful to the government as I have benefited a lot from the programme including joining the training in Russia," he said.

Dr Faiz, who is the NS icon, also told trainees that they could also achieve their dreams if they worked hard, and urged them to understand the objectives of the programme, which among others, would make them a better person and closer to others from different backgrounds.

Dr Faiz later joined NS director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil and the trainees to perform the flying-fox cable sliding.