First Malaysian in space

The whole nation is “hoo hoo ha ha” over the latest Malaysia Boleh’s agenda, sending our first man to space. It is a quite a big deal after all and of course a huge project that takes millions of RM (estimated to be RM95mil). Something not just Malaysians would want to talk about but neighboring countries who criticize the move. Instead of Malaysia Boleh, one of an Australian writer criticized the move as Malaysia Bodoh and citing we are paying millions of RM just to get a space taxi service.

Not for me to judge either but common sense would weigh the cost and benefit of venturing into that scale of project and mission. I’m not sure if I would live that long to see the long term benefits but looking at our science, technology and innovation progress rate………no comment. I do agree that with that equivalent sum of money, many things can be done to improve the education system of the nation, the poverty condition of many rural areas, the general welfare of the less fortunate……………… As a Malaysian I just don’t want to be labeled as having first class facilities and programs but third class maintenance and mindset.

Our first national car project and the current situation of the organization do force us to think and to realize that our expertise is not in car building and we do not have the technology to do so, no doubt more Malaysians can afford a car but not quality cars compared to our Japanese competitors, their cars are not more expensive to own but due to the huge tax that comes with it. A little knowledge on manufacturing processes and cost will tell you that if your process is effective and efficient, your cost will go down and you get more with less and vice versa, in whatever you are doing you need both to excel – effectiveness and efficiency but to have both plus your core competency that makes you stand among your competitors.

However thumbs up to both of our Malaysians (Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Captain Dr Faiz Khaleed) who survived the long and tough test after test and preparation for the trip. I do pray for our cosmonaut safe journey back home and I would say he is one handsome guy, he he he…