Congratulations to the Malaysian first spaceman

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Media Statement
by Dr. Tan Seng Giaw
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(Kuala Lumpur, Sunday): I propose that the Government should draw up a more workable plan for science including space technology and the financial allocations for short and long term.

We have to avoid wastage. We must not repeat the mistakes of Arab nations such as the space programme in Saudi Arabia.

I comment on the statement by the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the space project is expensive and that there must be long-term plan on space technology.

The Government has spent at least RM 568 million to put Dr Sheikh Muszaphar in space. He is returning to earth today. Congratulations to him. While celebrating this event, we must plan for a practicable science project such as space technology.

In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the world's first spaceman. Forty six years later, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is Malaysia's first. He went to Baikonur, Kazakhstan, to board the Russian Soyuz spaceship, propelled by Russian rocket to the International Space Station where he did experiments designed by Malaysian scientists.

Sultan Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud is a prince from Saudi Arabia. In 1985, he emerged as the first Muslim spaceman by traveling in an American rocket and spaceship launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida. In the past 22 years, what has been the state of science including space technology in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world?

“In 1985 he flew as a Payload Specialist on STS-51G (June 17-24, 1985). As one of a seven member international crew, which also included American and French astronauts, he represented the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARABSAT) in deploying their satellite, ARABSAT-1B.

Upon conclusion of his space flight, he helped in founding the Association of Space Explorers, an international organization comprising all astronauts and cosmonauts who have been in space, and served on its Board of Directors for several years.

In 1985 he was commissioned as an officer into the Royal Saudi Air Force. He holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and is qualified in several military and civilian aircraft.

For several years he headed the Advisory Committee for the Science Oasis Project to be built in Riyadh.” (Written by John Lawton and Patricia Moody, America)

On 17 June, 1985, 230 Arabs fro several countries congregated in Cape Kennedy to encourage Sultan Salman who did three space experiments designed by Arab scientists. He declared that the Arab world was at a turning point.

If we survey the state of science and space technology in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, we detect weaknesses. We must avoid these weaknesses. Saudi Arabia has some of the state-of-the-art facilities. What are the advances in her sciences? What happens to the Oasis Science Project?

(21/10/2007)