It's now Datuk Muszaphar

KUALA PILAH: Malaysia's first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was conferred a Datukship here yesterday.

The 36-year-old was conferred the Darjah Dato Setia Negeri Sembilan which carries the title "Datuk" in conjunction with the 86th birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

"I accept the award with humility and gratitude. With this, I will forge closer ties with the state government to make a name for Negri Sembilan," said Sheikh Muszaphar after the investiture ceremony at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

"I promise to do more for the people of Negri Sembilan. I am still the same person, and nothing excites me more than seeing the smiles on five-year-olds who aspire to be astronauts.

" He added that he had travelled to over 200 schools and universities in the country to give motivational talks.

Sheikh Muszaphar, who was accompanied by his fiancee, Dr Halina Yunos, was bestowed the title along with 18 others, including Genting Berhad strategic investments and corporate affairs head Justin Leong Ming Loong.

Three other recipients were State Secretary Datuk Norzam Mohd Nor, State Health, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Ismail Taib and State Tourism, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Mohammad Razi Kail.

Badminton legend Ng Boon Bee, 70, who helped Malaysia win the Thomas Cup in 1967, received the Darjah Dato' Paduka Tuanku Ja'afar which carries the title "Datuk", along with 22 other recipients.

"I am very honoured and happy to be given this recognition. "This will be one of my best memories. "I thank the state government, especially Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who has always recognised the contribution of the country's athletes."

Ng, from Padang Remis, Perak, said he hoped the recognition would motivate other sportsmen to continue to break records and excel in their respective sports.

Twenty others were awarded the Darjah Setia Negeri Sembilan (DNS), including Seremban police chief Assistant Commissioner Saiful Azly Kamaruddin, Kuala Pilah district officer Asis Ujang, Port Dickson district officer Johani Hassan and State Works Department director Dr Roslan Md Taha.

The Pingat Pekerti Terpilih (PPT), went to 19 recipients while the Jaksa Pendamai (JP) was awarded to 11 others.