Nation placing high hopes on astronaut candidates
The people were placing high hopes on the two astronaut candidates to realise the national mission, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Tuesday.
He was speaking to Malaysia's top two astronaut candidates, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed, who will be leaving for Russia Friday night.
He also hoped they would do their best in carving a good name for the country.
The duo, who had been selected under Malaysia's first astronaut programme, will undergo training for a year in Russia before departing for the International Space Station (ISS).
Abdullah said their involvement in the aerospace programme would be a good exposure and experience for them. They should share their learning experience for the benefit of Malaysians upon their return home.
"Bon voyage and carry out your duties well," he said.
Both candidates will undergo their final training at the Star City, Moscow, including three months studying the Russian language, besides undertaking scientific research in several fields such as biotechnology and medicine.
Only one candidate will be selected to board a Russian rocket for eight days beginning Sept 2 next year.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, said the meeting with the Prime Minister was an inspiration and provided the spirits for him to carry out the national mission.
He said the premier's advice not only served as a preparation from the physical, mental and spiritual aspects, but also reminded them of their duty to God and religion.
Upon returning, the medical officer said, he hoped to provide the inspiration to students and children to widen their knowledge in science.
Dr Faiz, 26, said he hoped the programme would succeed and achieve its objective.
He was confident that he would be able to go through the training prepared for them in order to realise the mission.
During the half an hour meeting, Abdullah also presented the Jalur Gemilang to the two candidates.
Also present were Director General of the National Space Agency of Malaysia (Angkasa) Prof. Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman and Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut.
He was speaking to Malaysia's top two astronaut candidates, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed, who will be leaving for Russia Friday night.
He also hoped they would do their best in carving a good name for the country.
The duo, who had been selected under Malaysia's first astronaut programme, will undergo training for a year in Russia before departing for the International Space Station (ISS).
Abdullah said their involvement in the aerospace programme would be a good exposure and experience for them. They should share their learning experience for the benefit of Malaysians upon their return home.
"Bon voyage and carry out your duties well," he said.
Both candidates will undergo their final training at the Star City, Moscow, including three months studying the Russian language, besides undertaking scientific research in several fields such as biotechnology and medicine.
Only one candidate will be selected to board a Russian rocket for eight days beginning Sept 2 next year.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, said the meeting with the Prime Minister was an inspiration and provided the spirits for him to carry out the national mission.
He said the premier's advice not only served as a preparation from the physical, mental and spiritual aspects, but also reminded them of their duty to God and religion.
Upon returning, the medical officer said, he hoped to provide the inspiration to students and children to widen their knowledge in science.
Dr Faiz, 26, said he hoped the programme would succeed and achieve its objective.
He was confident that he would be able to go through the training prepared for them in order to realise the mission.
During the half an hour meeting, Abdullah also presented the Jalur Gemilang to the two candidates.
Also present were Director General of the National Space Agency of Malaysia (Angkasa) Prof. Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman and Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut.
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