Four get morale boost from Mahathir
The Star – 8/4/2006
PUTRAJAYA: An opportunity to meet former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was just the boost astronaut candidate Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor needed to further lift his determination and spirits to make it as Malaysia’s first man in space.  
“I was excited to meet Tun (Dr Mahathir). He is a great leader. His words of encouragement really lifted my spirits and I am grateful for them,” he said.  
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, a medical officer with Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and three others who are vying for the opportunity to be the nation’s first astronaut had a 30-minute meeting with Dr Mahathir at his office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here yesterday.  
The other candidates are Malaysia Airlines pilot Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin, armed forces dental surgeon Dr Faiz Khaleed and senior quality engineer S. Vanajah, the only woman in the group.  
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said the meeting with Dr Mahathir had given the four of them inspiration and courage to undergo the intensive two-week training in Russia.  
“I hope we will make everyone in Malaysia proud,” he added.  
The four are expected to leave by the end of the month for the Russian Space Agency in Star City, Moscow, where they will be put through a comprehensive medical test, before two candidates are selected to undergo an 18-month training programme.  
Dr Mahathir said he was proud of the sheer determination, commitment and dedication shown by the four candidates in their quest to be the first Malaysian in space.  
“I hope our first astronaut will return home and share the experience with our young. Hearing about the extraordinary journey will certainly lift the spirits of our youth,” he added.  
Dr Mahathir said the overwhelming response received for the astronaut programme showed that many Malaysians were willing to go to great lengths to grab this rare experience.  
“This is a testimony that Malaysians can do what others can do,” he added.  
Source: The Star | http://thestar.com.my