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
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar's Family Sad Over "RM1.2 Million" Newspaper Report
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The family of astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha is sad and disappointed over a newspaper report that he has amassed RM1.2 million from giving talks since last year.
His brother Sheikh Taufik Shukor Al Masrie said the family regretted that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's untiring efforts to share his aerospace experience with the young generation was manipulated by certain people.
"We did not ask for any credit be given to him, just sad that he had been treated this way," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview here Monday.
Sheikh Taufik described the report as a "grave tragedy" as it was reported by a newspaper belonging to an opposition party that claimed to uphold Islam.
"They do not give a hoot to our aerospace venture, unlike other Muslim countries that were proud of his (Dr Sheikh Muszaphar) achievement. I do not understand why they want to destroy our future."
Sheikh Taufik said the claim that his brother received RM8,000 per hour for giving talks was not true at all.
He did not deny that many people had acted as middlemen or third parties to arrange for the astronaut to deliver talks or just to motivate people.
"Schools normally come directly to me or my brother and no money is involved. However, for non-governmental organisations and the private sector, there are many middlemen who manipulate the situation."This can give rise to things that may lead to such claims," he said when commenting when a report by an opposition newspaper that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar charged RM8,000 per hour for talks.
The report said the astronaut had amassed RM1.2 million from 150 corporations since his return from the International Space Station (ISS) in Oct last year.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar on Sunday denied that he had had asked for specific amounts to deliver talks on his aerospace experience.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili had said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr Faiz Khaleed were contracted to the ministry until Dec 31 and thus could not charge for giving talks.
His deputy Fadillah Yusof was reported as saying the ministry would investigate the report.
Sheikh Taufik said he had wanted to reply to the report but was advised against it as it would be a waste of time.
"Their job is to pit one person against another and to rundown the government," he added.
On Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's reaction, he said although the astronaut was disappointed, it was nothing compared to what he had to go through before becoming an astronaut."My brother was calm and said the truth will prevail."
He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar received many invitations but were careful as he did not want to be seen as a celebrity but an educator.
Meanwhile, his father Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor denied those who attended his talks were forced to buy the book "My Journey To Space" that related his experience during training and when at the ISS.
"I hope the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry will defend my son now that he can be considered a son of the state," he added.
-- BERNAMA
His brother Sheikh Taufik Shukor Al Masrie said the family regretted that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's untiring efforts to share his aerospace experience with the young generation was manipulated by certain people.
"We did not ask for any credit be given to him, just sad that he had been treated this way," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview here Monday.
Sheikh Taufik described the report as a "grave tragedy" as it was reported by a newspaper belonging to an opposition party that claimed to uphold Islam.
"They do not give a hoot to our aerospace venture, unlike other Muslim countries that were proud of his (Dr Sheikh Muszaphar) achievement. I do not understand why they want to destroy our future."
Sheikh Taufik said the claim that his brother received RM8,000 per hour for giving talks was not true at all.
He did not deny that many people had acted as middlemen or third parties to arrange for the astronaut to deliver talks or just to motivate people.
"Schools normally come directly to me or my brother and no money is involved. However, for non-governmental organisations and the private sector, there are many middlemen who manipulate the situation."This can give rise to things that may lead to such claims," he said when commenting when a report by an opposition newspaper that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar charged RM8,000 per hour for talks.
The report said the astronaut had amassed RM1.2 million from 150 corporations since his return from the International Space Station (ISS) in Oct last year.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar on Sunday denied that he had had asked for specific amounts to deliver talks on his aerospace experience.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili had said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr Faiz Khaleed were contracted to the ministry until Dec 31 and thus could not charge for giving talks.
His deputy Fadillah Yusof was reported as saying the ministry would investigate the report.
Sheikh Taufik said he had wanted to reply to the report but was advised against it as it would be a waste of time.
"Their job is to pit one person against another and to rundown the government," he added.
On Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's reaction, he said although the astronaut was disappointed, it was nothing compared to what he had to go through before becoming an astronaut."My brother was calm and said the truth will prevail."
He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar received many invitations but were careful as he did not want to be seen as a celebrity but an educator.
Meanwhile, his father Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor denied those who attended his talks were forced to buy the book "My Journey To Space" that related his experience during training and when at the ISS.
"I hope the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry will defend my son now that he can be considered a son of the state," he added.
-- BERNAMA
No Complaints Received On Dr Sheikh Muszaphar
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science, Techonology and Innovation (MOSTI) has not received any official complaints regarding an allegation by a local daily that national astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, charged RM8,000 an hour to give a lecture.
Its minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said if the allegations were true, the complainant could make an official complaint to the ministry.
"So far we have not received any official complaints. If the newspaper's allegations are true then the complainant can file an official complaint and we will go through the matter to see if it is against the contract (the governmnet has with him)," he said when met after the National Innovation Awards ceremony, here today.
Ongkili explained that the government's contracts with national astronauts Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr. Faiz Khaleed will expire on Dec 31.
He said based on the contract signed by the astronauts and the ministry, they must take part in all promotional programmes arranged by the ministry and its agencies.
They are also prohibited from receiving any rewards other than those from the ministry, he said.
When asked if the contracts of both astronauts would be renewed, Ongkili said they proposed to renew Dr Faiz's contract to prepare for the future mission, while they have not received an application from Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to renew his contract.
-- BERNAMA
Its minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said if the allegations were true, the complainant could make an official complaint to the ministry.
"So far we have not received any official complaints. If the newspaper's allegations are true then the complainant can file an official complaint and we will go through the matter to see if it is against the contract (the governmnet has with him)," he said when met after the National Innovation Awards ceremony, here today.
Ongkili explained that the government's contracts with national astronauts Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr. Faiz Khaleed will expire on Dec 31.
He said based on the contract signed by the astronauts and the ministry, they must take part in all promotional programmes arranged by the ministry and its agencies.
They are also prohibited from receiving any rewards other than those from the ministry, he said.
When asked if the contracts of both astronauts would be renewed, Ongkili said they proposed to renew Dr Faiz's contract to prepare for the future mission, while they have not received an application from Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to renew his contract.
-- BERNAMA
China Awards Outstanding People In Spacewalk Mission
BEIJING, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- China held a meeting Friday morning to award people who made outstanding contributions to the Shenzhou VII manned space flight, Xinhua news agency reported.
Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other top leaders Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang and He Guoqiang attended the meeting.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang announced a decision jointly made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, which decides to award Zhai Zhigang with the title of "Space Flight Hero" and Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng with the title of "Heroic Astronaut".
Chinese President Hu Jintao presented the three with medals and certificates to mark their outstanding performance during the spacewalk mission.
He said Chinese astronauts' successful spacewalk was an important milestone in the country's space flight history and was one of the major achievements in building an innovative nation.
Chang Wanquan, chief commander of the manned space project said that the success of Shenzhou VII's space flight showed the great strength of national cohesion and boosted the confidence of people working for space missions to make new achievements.
Chang said that more than 110 research institutes were involved in the mission, and more than 3,000 organizations nationwide were offering co-ordination and helps.
Zhai Zhigang, speaking on behalf of the Shenzhou VII space flight team, said completing the mission successfully was their lifelong dream and biggest honor.
He said the space walk he conducted was a small step of himself but a big step for the Chinese nation.
Shang Zhi, general director of the mission's spacecraft system, said that Chinese scientists and researchers are ready to begin the next phase of space mission, which focusing on the spacecraft's rendezvous and docking in orbit and the manufacture of space laboratory.
-- BERNAMA
Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other top leaders Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang and He Guoqiang attended the meeting.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang announced a decision jointly made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, which decides to award Zhai Zhigang with the title of "Space Flight Hero" and Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng with the title of "Heroic Astronaut".
Chinese President Hu Jintao presented the three with medals and certificates to mark their outstanding performance during the spacewalk mission.
He said Chinese astronauts' successful spacewalk was an important milestone in the country's space flight history and was one of the major achievements in building an innovative nation.
Chang Wanquan, chief commander of the manned space project said that the success of Shenzhou VII's space flight showed the great strength of national cohesion and boosted the confidence of people working for space missions to make new achievements.
Chang said that more than 110 research institutes were involved in the mission, and more than 3,000 organizations nationwide were offering co-ordination and helps.
Zhai Zhigang, speaking on behalf of the Shenzhou VII space flight team, said completing the mission successfully was their lifelong dream and biggest honor.
He said the space walk he conducted was a small step of himself but a big step for the Chinese nation.
Shang Zhi, general director of the mission's spacecraft system, said that Chinese scientists and researchers are ready to begin the next phase of space mission, which focusing on the spacecraft's rendezvous and docking in orbit and the manufacture of space laboratory.
-- BERNAMA
Angkasawan Accepted Contributions But Never Demanded A Single Cent
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- The nation's first astronaut has admitted to accepting contributions when giving talks.However, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha denies allegations he had received, among others, RM8,000 an hour for giving talks.
He said it was the norm for him to give talks in schools for free."I hope we can resolve this unfortunate incident (allegations) because its negative impact would affect my ability to continue giving talks to schools in the country.
"(Nevertheless) I have spoken to Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadilah Yusof and given a detailed explanation...and he was happy and satisfied with my explanation," he added.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was speaking to reporters after flagging off and taking part in the Sixth Batik Fun Walk 2008 here, Sunday.
Meanwhile, Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah, who organised the walk, was exuberant with the number of participants taking part in the event, especially since some of the proceeds would be donated to the Penyayang Pesakit Kanser charity.
"I am happy with the number of participants taking part this year, which is about 1,200. This is double the number of participants we had last year."It is also heartening to know that these participants will help make life a little easier for cancer patients," she said.
Her husband, Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin, showed his support for his wife's programme in being a participant in the event.
-- BERNAMA
He said it was the norm for him to give talks in schools for free."I hope we can resolve this unfortunate incident (allegations) because its negative impact would affect my ability to continue giving talks to schools in the country.
"(Nevertheless) I have spoken to Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadilah Yusof and given a detailed explanation...and he was happy and satisfied with my explanation," he added.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was speaking to reporters after flagging off and taking part in the Sixth Batik Fun Walk 2008 here, Sunday.
Meanwhile, Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah, who organised the walk, was exuberant with the number of participants taking part in the event, especially since some of the proceeds would be donated to the Penyayang Pesakit Kanser charity.
"I am happy with the number of participants taking part this year, which is about 1,200. This is double the number of participants we had last year."It is also heartening to know that these participants will help make life a little easier for cancer patients," she said.
Her husband, Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin, showed his support for his wife's programme in being a participant in the event.
-- 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
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
Friday, October 24, 2008
Malaysia's First Planetarium To Be Upgraded Using Warner Bros. Expertise
KUCHING, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Sultan Iskandar Planetarium here, Malaysia's first astronomy education centre, is to be upgraded with the possibility of using expertise from Warner Bros, one of the world's largest producers of film and television entertainment.
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof who disclosed this, said the ministry was prepared to assist the planetarium in this effort.
"The country's first planetarium which has been in operation for 19 years is now in need of upgrading in terms of infrastructure, in line with current technological developments.
"The ministry will cooperate with the Sarawak government to identify aspects or areas which need to be improved in order to continuously draw people to the planetarium and avoid boredom for the visitors.
"If possible, we want to create realistic situations during the screenings at the planetarium," he told reporters after launching its "Mirrordome" digital screening, today.
For instance, Fadillah said, visitors watching on the screen, a rocket being launched into space might "experience" what the astronauts were going through, and his could happen with Warner Bros. expertise.
"Perhaps the seats need to be changed so that the visitors could 'feel' the vibrations when the rocket is launched into space or hit a meteor," he added.
Fadillah said the use of Mirrordome technology was the beginning of the upgrading process, while the initiative of the Sarawak government which was responsible for the daily operations of the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium should be emulated by others.
The Mirrordome technology allows for digital film screening while previously a projector was used for showing the planets and stars to the planetarium visitors.
The technology application was contributed by Paul Bourke, a computer visualisation researcher from the University of Western Australia.
On the state government's request from the federal government to set up a science centre in Sarawak to promote interest in science among the younger generation, Fadillah said his ministry was prepared to study it but the decision would depend on the country's financial situation.
-- BERNAMA
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof who disclosed this, said the ministry was prepared to assist the planetarium in this effort.
"The country's first planetarium which has been in operation for 19 years is now in need of upgrading in terms of infrastructure, in line with current technological developments.
"The ministry will cooperate with the Sarawak government to identify aspects or areas which need to be improved in order to continuously draw people to the planetarium and avoid boredom for the visitors.
"If possible, we want to create realistic situations during the screenings at the planetarium," he told reporters after launching its "Mirrordome" digital screening, today.
For instance, Fadillah said, visitors watching on the screen, a rocket being launched into space might "experience" what the astronauts were going through, and his could happen with Warner Bros. expertise.
"Perhaps the seats need to be changed so that the visitors could 'feel' the vibrations when the rocket is launched into space or hit a meteor," he added.
Fadillah said the use of Mirrordome technology was the beginning of the upgrading process, while the initiative of the Sarawak government which was responsible for the daily operations of the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium should be emulated by others.
The Mirrordome technology allows for digital film screening while previously a projector was used for showing the planets and stars to the planetarium visitors.
The technology application was contributed by Paul Bourke, a computer visualisation researcher from the University of Western Australia.
On the state government's request from the federal government to set up a science centre in Sarawak to promote interest in science among the younger generation, Fadillah said his ministry was prepared to study it but the decision would depend on the country's financial situation.
-- BERNAMA
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