Malaysian in Space

Today Malaysia will make history; to have the first Malaysian in space. Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will become the first Malaysian to go to space on board the Russian Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft. The launch is scheduled at 9.22pm (Malaysian time).

It is said that the good doctor will be celebrating raya in space and having satay & kuih. Probably a first for that. Most importantly, he will be doing some research up there. Please take this opportunity to engage in something more fruitful.

According to the Star, Malaysia is paying for the voyage as part of a billion-dollar purchase of Russian fighter jets. If it is a buy some jets, free one ride to space, then it is quite ok.

But if we are paying millions to send someone to space because some country has done it, we must do it also; then I say it's a waste of good money. Scientists are going to space to do some actual research and studies for the future. We should not be sending someone up just for the sake of sending someone; then while he's there, let him do some research.

It's not that much of a matter of face. Sure, there are some billionaires that paid millions to go to space, maybe as a holiday. Is that what we are doing? Sending someone up for a million dollar holiday trip?

Why? So that we can say proudly, "We sent someone to space." USA did it 30 years ago. I rather we sent someone up because we deserve to send someone up and we do some actual contribution to the research and development of space exploration.

Anyway, it's still an achievement. All the best to our angkasawan, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar. Make Malaysia proud.