First Malay to Outer Space

Angkasawan the Malaysian Astronauts: Must we view them any less?

The Americans have their astronauts. The Russians call theirs cosmonauts. The Chinese join the space team with taikonauts. And although sadly under-represented, our dear neighbour Malaysia is about to send her first angkasawan (Malay for astronaut) to space this coming October.

My question to you: Just how many of you know of this? In this article i would site the reasons as to why we, especially the Malay Muslims, must have the decency enough to feel proud over this coming milestone of our shared history.

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THE ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME

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In what is known as the Angkasawan Program, Malaysia's National Space Agency (yes bet nobody knew it actually does exist) is set to send her first Malaysian into space. It is a joint programme with Russia where it agrees to train two Malaysian astronauts and later send one to the International Space Station.

THE CHOSEN ANGKASA-ONE

The Chosen Angkasa-One is believed to be Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (above left) and Captain Dr Faiz Bin Khaleed, who is to be his back-up. It is recently revealed though that this is still subject to change. Regardless, as of yesterday, both were recognised as Malaysia's angkasawan negara, or official astronauts of the state.

SINGAPORE HATES MALAYSIA, AND VICE VERSA
We here in Singapore has be fed with negative portrayal of Malaysia for far too long that certain achievements made by our nearest neighbour is often never discussed, or at worst, discredited. I'm sure Malaysia has also done the same to Singapore in past years, and although our recent leaders stressed the importance of cooperation, it seem a mutual undeniable dislike which defines our cross-Causeway ties.

Singaporeans have never gave a shit about Malaysia's aspirations, nor gave a sniff when the Petronas Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world, prior to Taiwan's Tapipei 101. I know their police force is brutally corrupt and their government officials seem incompetent, but most draw their conclusions from trips to crime-infested Johor while there are among the most skeptic of us who actually love KL and remarked that it is "almost like Singapore". However i feel that there are some things that we have to see beyond our prejudice and judge on an enlightened mind.

THE UNENLIGHTENED ONES

I am also disappointed to also learn that skeptics were also found in Malaysia itself with regard to this space program. Apparently there were some high criticisms over the entire thing, despite the fact that it is such a prestigious endeavour. The main criticism is that the cost of sending a single Malaysian into space has been estimated to be around RM $95 million, and that the country could use such a spending to better domestic usage.

In what was to be part of the program to emphasise on the 'Malay-ness' and of Malaysian heritage, there were plans to pour the teh-tarik, batik-drawing, spin a traditional gasing (top) and flip roti canai (roti prata) in space. It definitely drew the headlines, bringing this seemingly everyday things and experiment it at zero-gravity, but unfortunately the plan backfired and it was widely ridiculed by various Malaysians themselves.
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These cartoons i found from a Malaysian's blog. I mean with all this critics, truly i find it incredibly sad to think that their very own citizens do not seem to want to share in living the 'Malaysian dream'. I mean so be it if the first Malaysian to space is brought together with Russians on a Russian aircraft. But does it not ought to matter the various means one takes to achieve a great feat? Why must one be so skeptic where grand aspirations are involved. I read with great respect the blogs of the said astronauts (found in the official website), they truly sound like you and me, living their long-awaited childhood dreams, sharing their rare experiences. Does it not kill the excitement of these future heroes to see caricatures like those above, belittling their effort in bringing national glory?

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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM OF THE MALAYSIAN ASTRONAUT

1. Cells in Space (CIS_
Study of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on eukaryotic cells focusing on changes in the structure and function at the cellular and molecular levels
2. Microbes in Space (MIS)
Study of the effects of microgravity on motility of bacteria, drug resistances as well as changes in gene expression (using the microarray approach). Expect to show some effects of bacterial growth using a pre-determined minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
3. Protein Crystallisation in Space (PCS)
The purpose of this experiment is to compare the crystal growth of lipases on Earth with that grown in microgravity. Several test conditions will also be tested to improve the protein crystallisation process on Earth as well as in space.
4. Malaysian Food in Space (FIS)
Increase the variety and quality of food available to Malaysian cosmonaut by identifying new food items (typical Malaysian food).
5. Study of spinning motions in microgravity environment (TOP)
A physics demonstration to show the effect of microgravity on the motions of spinning object using a top.
6. PR and Symbolics (PAS)
PR and Symbolics activities.

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As a matter of fact, the space program do include credible scientific experiments (listed above) that is to be carried out to benefit the Malaysian research projects and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry. The teh-tarik was removed in favour of the "more serious experiments", but the top-spinning is to stay in order to "observe the effects of a spinning object", to show the effects of zero-gravity on selected physical phenomena.

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TUMPANG RASA BANGGA

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What i'm saying is that it is so typical for Malaysia, predominatly a the Malay race, to criticise and feel skeptical over great achievements, even if it shows the advancement of their own creed. I feel that as Malay Singaporeans, and Muslims too, we should 'tumpang rasa bangga' (feel equally proud) over this feat in our Malay history. Because like it or not, despite the fact that we are separated by nationality, we are ultimately of the same race. And if a Malay is going to space, shouldn't another Malay feel proud of it? It is high time we put national interests aside, and recognise the contributions of great individuals to the Malay race itself.

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MUSLIMS IN SPACE

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The first Muslim to space was Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a Saudi Arabian prince who was also the first Arab and first royalty to space in 1985 (see picture above). If that feat was done with the cooperation of the United States, i see no reason why people should question Malaysia doing the same with Russia.

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ISLAMIC SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

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Even though Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor would not the first Muslim to space, the space expedition this time highlights an interesting venture into the possibilities of success even in Islamic sciences. A conference in Malaysia was recently discussed on how a Muslim could fast in space, the direction of the kiblat in space, and the determination of prayer timings. Dr Sheikh Muszhaphar is also expected to be the first Muslim to celebrate Hary Raya this year in outer space.

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One of the Malaysian government's objective for sending a man to space is also to "awe and inspire" in lieu of her 50th year of independence from colonial rule this year. It truly illustrates such a long way the nation has come, and truly despite all the criticisms, sending a citizen to space is defnitely something that any nation can be proud of. In light of the askewed view the West has on Islam, Malaysian authorities also sought to bring back the glory days of the Islamic Golden Age where science and technology prevailed. "It is important to note that the Malaysian sent to space is also a Muslim". The significance of this at this age is to prove that while viewed as backward, Islam sets store for advancements, contrary to what the West might perceive.

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MODERN MALAY HEROES OF THE AGE

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For me on the ground level, despite all the skepticism, i think Malaysians themselves can't help but feel proud of the space program when they witness the live telecast of the launch to space. I think it does not hurt as well that they are sending a dashing bachelor and intellect like Sheikh Muszhaphar, a handsome hero who has the brains and brawns. I'm not surprise too if he would become the object of desire for every Malay woman to have as their husband. Perhaps not too far-fetched, they would stand alongside classic heroes like Hang Tuah and Jebat of the modern age today. Now they dare say Malays are backward? I beg to differ, sir.

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Relevant links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkasawan_program

http://www.angkasawan.com.my/mainatsb/atsb/index.html

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/One_For_The_Record_Books_Malaysian_Heads_Into_Space.html

"I open at the close"

I have absolutely no idea why i titled this entry as such because even though it was the closing of my so-called 5-day B-day 'celebrations', indeed i opened nothing, especially "at the close". I realised i've been using too much narrative expression (instead of philosophical/reflective expression, a Keongomania forte) lately that now i even have to resort using a Harry Potter quote as a title even though it seems to have no basis at all!

Well let's just say i'm accomodating to my readers, those of whom had craved for a more personal approach in updating the events of my life. Ahakz.

Of Fox and Men

Yeah that's a pic of me wearing the birthday gift from the Effours, a polo T-shirt from Fox. Or is it called Foxman? Haha shall ask Jolie. She has an interesting experience from buying it. Well the guy said this shirt is popular for a Malay guy, what's so Malay about it? Mahahaz God knows.

Met them to go to Geylang later on, but on the way to Beach Road for buka, me and the Effour ladies had an interesting and a very engaging conversation on... none other than:

Gosh i never thought i'd display that in my blog! Ahakz. I can sum it up with 4 generic terms: "Older men", "Elias", "Dian", and "Tudung". OK let's put it as that. Later controversy lah. Hehe. Actually it was more of a brought over from what me and Isrin had discussed on the previous day. And we recalled that we gave her the name of "Siti Sokyah" in secondary school! Im so gonna call her that.

"You're way too beaaaautiful girl..."

The next day i went Geylang again with my family. I still maintain that Maizurah Hamzah is the most dazzlingly beautiful Malay woman ever! Took pictures of her posters at FL2 when my mom and sis were busy choosing their raya clothes. Her First Lady pictures portray her at her best, and indeed the best model the company can ever engage with. That's why i say all new local female celebrity-wannabes are nothing, i repeat nothing, compared to Maizurah. Regardless of how much you've been fashioned to be portrayed on TV or Manja magazines. Ahakz. Just look at that! What a natural. I'd give anything to get a Malay girl like her. Hee.

I'd wanted to buy pink baju kurung this year, yeah no kidding. Cos i bought for my mom this gorgeous pink kurung from Bimla, so wanted to match with her. Bu the above is the closest i can get that is within the budget, ahakz. Something in between pink-orange... (ok at this point i cant spell this particular colour that starts with B and rhymes with "age").

Bought myself this white modern-design chapal as well. Hah the only with this 'unique' design.

What a Rat!
Yes the next day i finally watched Ratatouille, yes a bit slow i know..ahakz. Cant be helped lah. Bought a poster as well, seen above contributing to the many knifes aimed at the Little Chef. It was way better than the likes of Happy Feat can. Ahakz. Elven Leaves, Elder Ring
Bought myself another self b-day gift, one of the last pieces of the Lord of the Rings Elven cloak clips! for those who cant remember, it is the replica design of the one worn by the Fellowship, like Legolas over here. I seriously cant wait to buy the DVDs, especially after selling off my entire LOTR VCD collection.

And finally too i got my hands on the One Ring, though it is a smaller version than the one i was dying to have. This one is a birthday present from Siti Ham from Cathay..ahakz. Thanks alot! This authentic piece comes with it the original Mordor inscription on the Ring, though the camera is not sharp enough to capture it.

Royal Treatment
Here the birthday cake my parents bought specially from The Royals, a Black Forest. Very nice!

Lumos!


The twin notions of Truth and Justice. And the Keongomaniac way.

"I open at the close". Hell yeah.

Turning Twenty on the Twentieth

Yes that is my 'turning-20 face'. Ahakz i know what you're thinking, nothing much changed. Still the same old narcissist who believes firmly that "to love yourself is the greatest love of all". Thanks Whitney, i owe you that one. :) 20 is an uber weird age, a Peripheral Age, a Transitional Age. Because you are no longer a teenager, but technically not yet an adult as of 21. I'm just 20. period.

So today on the 20th September 2007, i turn 20, leaving the remnants of teenagehood for-ever. For those for do not know, if you turn the number you're born in, its called your Golden Birthday. So i guess this is my golden birthday, and i must say it is one of my better birthdays.

The Girl in the Black Dress

All thanks to my old-friend Isrin Johar who decided "to take time off her busy schedule" to keep me company on this day! Yes she erm, refused to be photographed. You will see later the various attempts i made to achieve that. I think she's exercising her 5th Amendment right or sumtink to refuse being included in what she claims to be my 'gallery of girls'. Ahakz.

My long-standing quote and principle, "any day outside of camp is a good day". In this case the medical centre. My birthday off was for Thursday today, so i got to book out on weds around 4.30pm. The birthday mood is expected to stretch all the way till Sunday!

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Finally, a Reservation!..and erm, a glimpse of Saphira

We finally catch the movie as promised, No Reservations. I remembered how Babel was destroyed into smitereens. Ahakz. I was anxious to see how far my Catherine Zeta-Jones has progressed in her years, she who have a firm standing in the Haz Wayne's Fantastic Females charts.

It was a perfect day because the bus was not late. Ahakz. And what's more, my Cathay affiliations got us free tickets for the movie! It was beginning to sound like a good birthday. Hee. You must know i'm not a fan of White romance but this one's not too bad. I'm moving away from my rule of 'epics only' when it comes to the big screen. And did i mention Isrin got a look at Saphira! Oh goodness, "suicidal..suicidal.."

Of Rings and Geeks

Yes the supposed 'birthday shot at the tree'. Isrin insisted she takes a picture of the birthday boy, and i insist i look fat here, and of course i'll blame it entirely on her! The face expression is making me cringe. Argh. We made our way to the Esplanade because i wanted to go to my favourite Popcorn shop, the Movie Memorabilia Specialist. Wanted to get sumtink Lord of the Ringsy. Did not get my One Ring, so sad! But in commemoration of my self birthday present, i bought this gorgeous LOTR long poster which depicts all the characters, at a stark $25!

A beau isn't it. Now it will stay on the top of my window for all eternity.

A Tragic Princess in the Making
I think its quite nice lah, she has managed to stand out from this supposed 'Gallery of Girls', being the first to refuse being depicted. Makes her rather illusive in nature. Ahakz. Though looking at them it kinda reminds me of this:

Haha the late Princess Diana covering her face from the evil paparazzi.

The Family Gifts

Finally its the family gifts! My parents bought me a dashing Levi's belt and a Louis Vuitton wallet. Ooh wawawee. They also got me birthday card which 'sings' a birthday tune when it opens, can you believe that. Ahakz. My sis, as though coordinated, bought a big Superman belt buckle, which would make Isrin's eye go, if possible, even rounder if she sees it on my navel area. My sis also bought me the latest Maroon 5 album, yeah! My bro bought for me, an ardent DVD collector who has a long list to fulfil, the Letters From Iwo Jima DVD, a great buy!

That reminds me, I bought for him a DVD too, X-Men III (he's a big X-Men fan) and a yellow pillow (he loves yellow) with something personal i cut and sew on myself! Its a XIX (supposedly to match the X-Men thingy), Roman number for 19, for he turns 19 yesterday on 19 Sept. Yes we both has golden birthdays.

NEWSFLASH: B-Day Mood to Stretch for 5 Days!

Ahakz i did not forget, i managed to get a cloudy glimpse of that allusive girl! Thank you for today, ahakz. She says she and her sis will get me sumtink soon, cos i bought for Sophie pretty towels..hee. Tmr after i book out i'm expected to meet my Effours for break-fast. On Sat i shall demand for Ratatouille in the afternoon and then go Geylang with my family. Sunday is the date for the annual traditional cake-cutting. Oh yes a golden birthday warrants the mood to be stretched a few days. :)

Dengue Alert: Bukit Batok Street 34

PLEASE READ THIS BLOG ARTICLE. STAY VIGILANT. AND ASK OTHERS TO DO SO TOO.

I was on my way to camp yesterday morning and was listening to the radio in my mp4. Little that i know i'll live to see the day that my street address be announced through the news. "The worst clustered Dengue-infected areas with 73 cases is at Bukit Batok St 31, 32.. and 34.." I heard it right, Bt Batok St 34! My house address!!

I immediately msged my mom, demanding why i was not informed that the situation was that serious. I mean it was so since it warrants a news headline! Even that is an understatement: Today the number has climbed to 77 cases, a record-breaker in the history of Singapore. And who would have thought, my own neighbourhood?! The NEA (National Environment Agency) notice above was pasted at the lift lobby.

These posters are pasted all over our lifts. I must admit i was rather freaked out. I opened The Straits Times yesterday to see the map of my own block and a few others being higlighted in red. I mean how often is your neighbourhood mentioned like that, and for a Dengue case no less! I know our Town Council was fined heavily for it, and that there have been numerous house checks, including mine. But i'm angry with the fact that they seem not to want to do much fogging here. I mean for pit's sake, its the worst clustered dengue-infected area for crying out loud!

Good God. See that? More than 60 mosquito breeding found. 77 cases. I'm real scared. And the worst part is, i don't even know what to do about it. Yes don't start with me over overturning flower pots.

Here look closer. All the red dots show the number of cases. My block is on top, Blk 337. Luckily for us its 1 case. But looking at the state of things, i'm not surprise if the numbers go up. Will you not be freaked out if u were me? You imagine looking at the map of the place you and your family members go in and out everyday. How vulnerable are we being in this Dengue Cluster. I'm not sure why other people are not as freaked out as i am, they seem pretty relaxed and even amused. I'm worried. We're talking about our loved ones here.

That being said, I strongly urge all of you to take all necessary precautions. Do not take these things lightly, or for granted. We often think, or have the perception that "it will never happen to us". Do not lie to yourself, everyone feel that way. Even during the SARS crisis, people were scared, but that did not stop them from feeling that it would not happen to them. It's a "when it happen, it will always happen to anyone else" syndrom. This naive mentality has to stop. I'm serious.

I realise this on that day i heard my street name being announced on the radio, the news, and when my flat being highlighted in the newspapers. You will never know when it can happen to you or me. I admit i did feel this dengue thing will just go away. Nothing to worry about. And who would have thought, I for one never did, that the next moment your own neighbourhood has 77 dengue cases and suddenly named the Worst Ever Dengue-Infested Clustered Area in Singapore.

Amigos Para Sempre

Yes that is what happens when the camera phone proves too small to accomodate the magnitude of the ultimate Effours. Mahahaz. Sunday night's Swensen's dinner was the first after quite a hiatus from our previous meet, the Beebeeassass one.

Tonight after i came back from camp i msged all of them, the msg says,

"I know i just met u guys yesterday but i realise i miss u ppl seh. Hahaz we must meet more often! And its soo gd to be at home at night like this. =)"

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Amigos Para Sempre

It occured to me just how far we all go back, and it is interesting how as we grow older, we keep only a few good ones despite the fact we make hundreds of them as we go along. Not that it is a conscious effort. The re-uniting of the Effours was also more of an accidental than planned. I mean time really sieves the true from the not. The real and more established friends tend to survive the test of time. And i think it is really something, especially when it all started with four McDonald's 50 cent ice-cream cones. ;)

And after these long years we still have that civilised habit of standing in a circle in the middle of nowhere to discuss something at hand. This time round was to discuss the eating place for our dinner.

Yesh, "Thais and Philps" was the reason ayam penyet was squashed in favour of Swensen's. ;p

The Association of Established Friends

I also dawned on me that i do not really have a lot of close friends, the kind whom you have no reservations in trusting. I heard it is supposed to be a good thing. An empire too big and vast is equally difficult to maintain, I for one would know that. Other than the Effours, other notable individuals would be all-time heart-pouring agent Isrin (not to mention self-prophetised future wife) and perhaps, DP Bella, who recently joined the list in the solo category. This Association of Established Friends (AEF) also comprised of the Legendary Soccer Peeps, of whom we occasionally meet. Thohirah too stood out among the SC peeps, having a long chat before she depart for Germany. A group of pro-Truth people from my former MI class, and the Malay gang of my MI juniors including the one and only Shukri Haji Shuhaimi (mahahaz) are also those whom i still maintain relations with as far as possible. Point being, we do not have to maintain meet-ups at times, but Established Friends are so hard to come by, because it has the years and shared experiences attached to them, which makes it so difficult for new contenders to replace. I feel it might be a governing 'Law of Relations' that true people should stand out amidst hordes of faceless persons we meet everday and everywhere we go to in our lives. It's just amazing, this Law allows the True to remain True, the only ceteris paribus in an ever-changing world.

And yes going home is always a happy occasion, typicalised by the bouncing of the train (the in thing to do, according to Jolie). I'm still waiting for our next Finger Game showdown. I must rise from the slumps of being the 'Last in the World'! I have a feeling I'll soon shake the Effour Universe with unbeatable wins. :)