Today, at 21.21.00, the new darling of Malaysia Boleh, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will become the first Malaysian Angkasawan to venture into space.Dr. SMS was picked by the Russian Space Agency selection panel as the first choice to join American Commander Peggy Whitson and Russian flight engineer Yuri Malechenko, making Dr. Faiz Khaleed the second choice.
I still have mixed feelings about this though. No doubt I'm proud that Malaysia's first man in space will put the country on the world map but at the same time I am not quite happy to see yet another millions and millions of taxpayers' money (including mine too!!) is spent on another Malaysia Boleh project. If only the money could be spent on other worthy projects that can benefits Malaysians at large instead .... hmmm...
While we Malaysians are so proud in calling him our Angkasawan, NASA referred to Dr. SMS as Malaysian spaceflight participant instead of Astronaut. What does that imply? Are we really ready to go into space or we go into space because we paid a huge sum for the ticket? Well.. I'm still not happy that the government spends so much money for the sake of having "this moment to inspire generation". And to think that there is a possibility of another mission in 2008 and 2007.....hmmm.. sigh!
Nevertheless, I still would like to wish Dr. SMS all the best. I hope he has a good blast-off and have a safe journey back to earth. Since Malaysia has already gone this far, make sure that the mission worth every ringgit and sen spent.
Dr. SMS is sure one lucky chap. He's smart, has a good job, he's good looking and to top that up.. he's single. Girls will be crazy after him. Even now he is already listed as one of Malaysia's most eligible bachelors. :)
By the way, guess what he's bringing to space?
Biryani Chicken
Satay Ayam
Rendang Tok
Sliced dried Mango
Banana rolls
Tempe
Ginger Jelly
Roselle Granola Bar
Kuih Raya Bangkit
Got that from Dr. SMS's blog in angkasawan. The menu was approved and will be brought up to the International SpaceStation (ISS). All this while I thought they only eat the energy bars...hehehehe. Anyway, at least he's going to have a good Raya up in the space.
14 comments:
"He's smart, has a good job, he's good looking and to top that up.. he's single"
..but my friend said....she changed her mind/perception after listen to his voice...hehehe....
hi arinqt,
I have yet to listen to his voice. Now you make me wonder...hehehehe
Hi Nana,
I think the problem with us we do not have an overall plan or program for nation building. Each department simply does what they wish and therefore the stronger and more influential heads get better budgets and approvals I guess.
Ini bagaikan perpatah, 'Gajah depan mata tak nampak, kuman di seberang lautan nampak'..ha ha.
Here's wishing you and family,
SELAMAT HARI RAYA.
Think Safety.
i personally would like to see dr.faiz on that space flight but after reading what they're expected to do in space, i guess dr.sms is just the purrfeeecct candidate. but RM20 mil for 10 days in space? yeeaahhh!! membazirrr...membazzziirrr!!!
Hi Kak Ruby,
You are right. I guess that's how politics and politicians work.. :) The more powerful you are the bigger your share of the cake.
Still strongly feel that the money could be spent on more worthy missions.. like beefing up the security and having better infrastructures for the disabled.... *sigh*
Anyway, so honoured to have you here Kak Ruby.
Selamat Hari Raya to you and your family too.
nana,
I am sharing your mixed feeling about this angkasawan project.
Immediately after seeing the live telecast of blast off TV3 showed the program Bersama mu. What irony to see millions of ringgit being blast off when thousands are living in abject poverty in the country.
I just need a very small portion of that hefty sum, just to pay for my credit cards.
I would like to think it is a moment of inspiration but how can I when the money spent could have gone to making Malaysia a better place to live in?
The leaders are so bent on seeking glory when they should be concentrating on proving that they can move Malaysia forward in a positive way and win back the faith of many citizens.
Anne,
Between those two, I personally think Dr. SMS is more suitable for the mission. But as u said.. RM20 million for 10 days is definitely a very expensive 'trip'.... u r right.. membazir.
ANyway, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin to you, Murat, Marsya and Zahin. Even though I know nothing beats beraya kat Malaysia, I hope beraya kat Oman is not that bad.. :)
Pak Zawi,
Those who manage the country feel that by doing this we are able to 'stand a few inches taller'. Maybe we will.. but we sure do it at a very high cost.
MB,
Hahaha.. in that case, count me in too. I also need help in that area.. :)
JT,
That is exactly how I felt. One part of me wanted to think of it as a moment of inspiration but another part says something else.
Last night our PM gave the government's commitment to send the other candidate to the next space mission if offered by the Russian government.
So now we know where a big chunk of taxpayers' money goes to.
I think most Malaysians would not get a 100% satisfaction from this space project because if we really want to do it right, we will have to start from scratch by having a team of experts and the infrastructures to send our own astronaut to space. Instead, we took the short cut and therefore will always need to "tumpang" other countries spaceship & pay a hefty amount. I'm sure we can do better than this.
Hi Gabrielle Lim & Tang Peng Hee,
Thanks for dropping by.
Yup, Malaysia paid a hefty sum to make dreams become realities. In a way, it's good. But then.. how I wish the same amount could be allocated for other worthy projects that benefit more people.
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