Dr Faiz Still Hopeful To Go Into Space

KANGAR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Mejar Dr Faiz Khalid still has high hopes to be the country's second astronaut even as there are those who want the programme to be reviewed.

He said he was ready to go to the International Space Station (ISS) and has not stopped training in order to be ready for space.

"The programme should be continued to put Malaysia up there with other developed countries in space exploration," he told Bernama today.

Faiz was met here after attending the Science and Technology Week organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

"We have started this programme and if it is terminated it would be a loss," he said.

The country's first astronaut, Datuk Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, had said the programme need not be continued as it was costly while the ministry's deputy minister Fadhillah Yusof had said that the programme slated for 2011 or 2012 needed to be reviewed due to economic factors.

"Society understands and sees this from a different angle of the actual mission of the government to have the programme and not just to send someone to the ISS," said Faiz.

The national space programme began in 2003 when Russia agreed to send a Malaysian to the ISS as part of a deal for Malaysia to buy 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets worth RM3.42 bilion.

The country's first astronaut had spent 12 days on the ISS last October.

-- BERNAMA

Review Likely Of Plan To Send Second Astronaut Into Space

PETALING JAYA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- A review seems likely of the plan to send the country's second astronaut into space in 2011 or 2012 in view of the uncertain global economy.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadhillah Yusof said today priority had to be given to more important programmes in view of the current economic situation.

Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, the candidate to make the space trip, would continue to attend the scheduled training sessions to create awareness and kindle the interest of young people in science and technology, which is necessary to boost the nation's competitiveness, he told reporters after launching an ISO 26000 seminar on " Guidance on Social Responsibility: Impact on Trade and Social Development in Southeast Asia", here.

Fadhillah said that if necessary the priority for the programme would be lowered or the programme postponed, but the decision would have to be made by the Cabinet.

The National Angkasawan (Astronaut) Programme was launched in 2003 after the Russian government agreed to help send a Malaysian to the International Space Station (ISS) in geo-stationary orbit as part of a technology transfer deal tied with Malaysia's purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi fighter jets.

Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha became the first Malaysian astronaut when he spent 12 days in the ISS in October last year.

-- BERNAMA

Major role for Faiz

By TOMMY LEE

The Angkasawan, recently named NS programme icon, hopes to use his military and astronaut training to help trainees build confidence and understand the challenges they will be faced with not just at camp but also in life.

MORE confident, better communication skills, a more friendly and open outlook.
These are the qualities which Angkasawan Mejar Dr Faiz Khaleed hopes to see in National Service trainees when they complete their three-month stint in the various camps.

Mejar Dr Faiz, 28, who has been appointed icon for the National Service programme said such characteristics were very important when trainees move on to their working life or when they enter universities.

“It prepares them to be better individuals who can stand up among the crowd,” he said.

“I find the trainees very shy. When asked questions, they know the answers but are not confident to speak up. They are scared of people laughing at them.”

Mejar Dr Faiz said at the end of the day, he hoped that such weaknesses could be addressed. “It will be most satisfying to see the trainees acquire above average communication skills and to be brave enough to look into a person's eyes and introduce himself with confidence.

“Also I hope to see the trainees eventually picking up the qualities of a person who can rationalise things and make decisions which are mature,” he said.

“We want to nurture such optimistic Malaysians to be the bangsa Malaysia we can be proud of,” he said.

He added that one important aspect which must be spelt out clearly was human capital of high calibre.

“It is no point having the best skilled scientists or lawyers who lack character,” he pointed out.

“I also want to see the trainees overcoming their fears, such as fear of heights. They must ask themselves how far they can push themselves.”

On his role as the icon, Mejar Dr Faiz said he started joining trainees in the NS training last month.

“I hope to change the perception of these trainees towards the National Service training programme.

“This is where I come in to change their mindset. Although the programme also includes army-like modules, the focus is actually on character building – to instil leadership qualities, moulding them to be team players and inculcating in them other positive values,” he said.

He said in schools or universities, the trainees would not be exposed to such learning processes as it was heavily centred on academics.

“Once they understand the objective (of the NS training programme), they can go through the training process with an open mind and will benefit more from it,” he said.

Mejar Dr Faiz, who is a military dentist, was shortlisted along with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to be the first Malaysian in space.

On Oct 10 last year, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar made history by becoming the first Malaysian to fly to the International Space Station.

Both underwent training at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre in Star City near Moscow.
Drawing references from the military, he said, where soldiers were asked to carry out vigorous exercises, the focus in National Service was different because its objective was to test the mental stamina and ability of the trainees, not so much on the physical aspects.

Mejar Dr Faiz said he also intend to go to schools to give talks to clear any misconception about the programme.

“Some may even volunteer for the threemonth stint after getting a better understanding of the training programme,” he said.

On trainees facing difficulties adjusting to life in the camps, he said understanding every aspect of the training module was crucial.

“It's about being patient in facing pressure. Everyone has to assess their own capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. What you can do, I may not be able to do.

“Once you understand your strengths and weaknesses, you can overcome any obstacle,” he said.
Mejar Dr Faiz said he understands that not all could adapt to outdoor activities.

“Some are afraid of heights and dare not attempt the 'flying fox' activity. This is where we help them overcome their fears.

“We don't force them but instead let them assess and make their own decision,” he said.
They would be made to realise that if they did not overcome their fears, they would have to carry that burden with them for the rest of their lives.

“As a military man, I will be able to impart my training experience. My training in Russia for the Angkasawan programme will also be helpful in making them look at the bigger picture and understand the challenges in life,” he said.

To a question whether he is paid for his services, Mejar Dr Faiz said it was actually a “national service” on his part, too.

Faiz: Continue space programme

KUALA LUMPUR: The Angkasawan programme should continue, with the funding shared among the relevant ministries that will benefit from the aerospace industry, suggested Mejar Dr Faiz Khaleed.

The second Angkasawan said the space mission should no longer be about sending a Malaysian to space but for Malaysia to embark on the aerospace industry.

He said the industry that included manned space flight missions benefited many fields including communication, research, medical, defence and education.

“As the industry benefits many fields under many ministries, these ministries can share in the funding,” he said in response to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili’s statement that the ministry presently had no money to embark on the second phase of the programme.

Dr Faiz said people must be clear that it was now about research and development.
“If you just want to send people to space, RM100mil is expensive. We must look at it as moving on to developing our aerospace industry.

“Developing research and development means investment,” he said, and pointed out countries, including China, which persisted with their space programme because of the far-reaching benefits.

On whether he was disappointed with the possibility that he would not get to go to space, he said: “I am always ready to serve the nation.

“If my service is needed I will always give my 200%. What I can do is to be prepared. I was given the chance to be in the industry for two years now and I learned a lot.”

Training for Faiz continues

BY SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: Training for Angkasawan Mejar Dr Faiz Khaleed will go on despite the country’s space programme coming to a virtual halt.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government was analysing the “cost benefit” of the first space mission and whether it should go on.

“If financial problems are an obstacle, we may have to think of other options. The space mission may be postponed but we want to continue with the training for the astronaut,” he told reporters after meeting 11 Indonesian parliamentarians at his office here yesterday.

Najib was commenting on reports that the country’s space programme looked to be “as good as grounded” after Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili revealed there was no money left for it.

In the first phase of the programme, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and two other astronauts blasted into space in a Russian-built Soyuz 11 rocket from Baikonour in Kazakhstan on Oct 10 last year.

It was partly funded by the deal related to the purchase of Sukhoi SU30MKM fighter jets from the Russian Government.

On the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the fuel subsidy would be restructured into a fairer system to benefit medium and lower income groups, Najib said the move was necessary to take into account the “leakages”.

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.

National Service: Troubled youth could also benefit

SEREMBAN: The National Service programme may be used to instil discipline in troubled youth.

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said a suggestion to admit such youth into the programme had met with a positive response from the National Service Department.

"I think it is a good idea. These youth will benefit from participating in the programme because the programme modules are designed to instil a sense of discipline, morality and responsibility," said Abu Seman.

He said the department would look into the criteria for admission and how to fit them into the programme.

"I think the department will have no problem accommodating these troubled youth. This is a preventive measure that we can use to stop them from getting involved in social ills," Abu Seman said.

He said said this after opening a National Service programme at Kem PLKN Sri Perkasa in Mantin near here yesterday. Among those present were National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil and National Service icon angkasawan Major Dr Faiz Khaleed.

Yesterday was Dr Faiz's first visit to a national service camp since he was designated as the programme's icon by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak on March 2.

"We want the trainees to look at Dr Faiz as a role model so that they will be motivated to succeed in life. We might also designate more successful people as icons," said Abu Seman.

Abdul Hadi said Dr Faiz would visit as many camps as possible to meet the trainees and join in their activities.

"However, as Dr Faiz is a busy man, we have divided the visits into zones, namely the North, South, East and West. He will visit a few camps in each zone," said Abdul Hadi.

Dr Faiz said he was looking forward to the visits."I believe I can build a bond with the trainees by joining in their activities. Once a bond has been established, it would be easier for me to talk to them and get the message across," said Dr Faiz.

MOSTI to retain policies under new minister

PUTRAJAYA, Mon:

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.

"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.

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.

The "NS icon" will tour training camps to provide motivational talks and relate his experiences as a participant in the Angkasawan Programme.

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."

Angkasawan's space dream intact

KUALA LUMPUR: Angkasawan Major Dr Faiz Khaleed's dream of going into space is still intact.

This follows a four-hour surgery to reattach eight tendons on his left wrist after he was slashed in an armed robbery in front of his house in Taman Mawar, Cheras, on Wednesday.

A Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre team, headed by consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Datuk Dr Zulkharnain Ismail, began performing the surgery at 2pm on Wednesday, 12 hours after the attack.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who visited Dr Faiz at the medical centre yesterday, said the doctors managed to save his hand.

"He can move his fingers. He lost a lot of blood and sustained a deep wound close to the bone.
"He will be warded for a week and undergo intensive physiotherapy."

He is expected to recover fully in three months and continue with his space programme, said Najib who met Dr Faiz for 10 minutes after arriving at the medical centre at 12.55pm.

Also present during the visit were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, Dr Faiz's mother Maznah Mohamed and father Khaleed Abdullah.

Dr Zulkharnain said Dr Faiz required more than 100 stitches for the 5cm wound.

"Fortunately, there were no bone fractures.

"The injury was sustained as Dr Faiz warded off his attacker," said Dr Zulkharnain.

Meanwhile, Dr Faiz said he panicked as everything happened very quickly and suddenly during the 2am robbery.

"I can vaguely remember the face of my attacker whom I believe is an Indonesian," he said.

Recounting the robbery, Dr Faiz said he had just alighted from a Perodua Kenari when two youths on a motorcycle approached them.

"One robber brandishing a parang confronted me, while the other placed a parang to the neck of my friend in the car.

"At that instant, I feared for my friend's life and attempted to distract the robbers' attention.

"Just then, one of the robbers came for me. I responded by kicking him, prompting the second robber to throw his parang at me," said Dr Faiz.

As Dr Faiz's friend screamed for help, he activated the remote control of the gate of his house.

"This made the robbers panic as they dashed off with my friend's gold necklace.

"I could not make out the registration number of the motorcycle," he said.

Dr Faiz said he had earlier gone for supper in the city with his friend whom he had not met for eight months.

Other than the wrist wound, Dr Faiz said he sustained slight bruises to his body, while his friend was not hurt.

"I hope to recover fully soon and am eager to resume my space training programme next year," said Dr Faiz.

Space hero Faiz hurt by robber

KUALA LUMPUR: Angkasawan Maj Dr Faiz Khaleed has, over the past few months, been labelled a hero by the Malaysian public. Yesterday, he showed just what sort of a hero he really is.

Dr Faiz was slashed on his left arm when he came to the aid of a friend who was being robbed in front of his house in Taman Mawar, Cheras, at 2am. He is now recuperating at the Gleneagles Medical Centre.On seeing his friend being mugged by two men armed with parang, one of whom had the weapon to the friend's neck, Dr Faiz tried to shift their attention to himself instead. The ploy worked.Although he managed to throw a few punches and kicks at the robbers, he was slashed.It is believed that the barking of a neighbour's dog and the opening of an automatic gate caused the assailants to panic and they fled clutching only a piece of costume jewellery belonging to one of Dr Faiz's friends.

His mother, Maznah Mohamed, said her son had just returned from a late supper with a few friends when the two robbers approached him."At first, my son, who had just returned from a holiday in Zurich last Monday, thought the two men were neighbours. "He was surprised when they came near him and took out a parang each."At that juncture, the men pushed Dr Faiz aside and one of them put his parang to the friend's throat. That was when Dr Faiz acted."

Present at the medical centre were Dr Faiz's father, Khaleed Abdullah, and Angkasawan programme director Col Dr Zulkeffli Mat Jusoh. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis earlier visited Dr Faiz at the hospital. Jamaludin said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had been informed about the incident. It is learnt Dr Faiz has lodged a report.

Biodata Faiz Khaleed

Faiz bin Khaleed (born September 15, 1980 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) is a Malaysian military dentist with the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces. In September 2006, he was selected as one of two final candidates to undergo astronaut training in Star City as part of the Angkasawan program. The other candidate was Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

In 2007, Sheikh Muszaphar was selected to fly to the International Space Station with Expedition 16 onboard the Soyuz TMA-11 in October 2007.

Faiz bin Khaleed still might go to space in 2008 or 2009 if Malaysia decides to proceed with a second space flight.

On 22 October 2007, Faiz bi Khaleed was promoted to Major.

Malaysia has decided to proceed with a second flight which will be in 2010.

Faiz gets a major promotion

CAPTAIN Dr Faiz Khaleed has been promoted to the rank of major with immediate effect. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the decision was made after discussions with Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal.

"We agreed that Dr Faiz deserves it. He has performed very well in the Angkasawan programme and has proven that he can contribute his experiences to the nation."

He said Dr Faiz would be an icon for the youth and would be speaking to students on the programme and space technology.

Dr Faiz said he was taken by surprise by the announcement.