Look no further...Vanajah's here!

Sheikh is back from his space mission, and Faiz is set to be the second one to blast off. Probably, the next time Malaysia purchases a few Sukhois or MIGs, they will include in the sales agreement for Russia to take Faiz to space too. So, was Sheikh's trip really free or was he given a discount? I believe Malaysia received a space trip slot in return for the Sukhoi purchase. Space trip slots are so limited that they have to cost lots of money, said to be near US$23 million each. So, for Faiz to wear the space suit for real next time, Malaysia will need to fork out more of the taxpayer's millions of dollars. Nevertheless, congratulations to Sheikh for successfully completing his mission. I believe the process of becoming an astronaut is no cake walk, and he has persevered.

I do not know how transparent the selection process was to shortlist Sheikh and Faiz as the top two to become the country's first astronaut. Who was responsible for sieving through the 11,000 applicants? Did this panel have space travel or space mission experience? Did they abide by the principles of meritocracy? What was the criteria or qualities they were looking for? I'm asking these questions because recent news reports seem to harp that these two gentlemen were dashing(Sheikh is a part-time model). I seriously hope looks were not one of the criteria!!! Of course, there will be plenty of photo ops, but still looks should never, never be a factor.

It has been confirmed that Faiz will be the second Malaysian to be an astronaut. It has been reported that the nationwide search for a backup astronaut will commence soon. Why bother??? Just send Vanajah, a finalist in the last search. It doesn't make sense to waste money and time doing another search. I am sure Vanajah is more than qualified. An engineer by profession, she was the only woman among the top four. The PM recently said that Sheikh is a hero, and asked who is going to be the heroine. That's a no-brainer. The heroine can be Vanajah. For a woman to be among the top four finalists of 11,000 astronaut aspirants, she surely must have very strong qualities and credentials.

Jamaluddin Jarjis, the Science, Technology and Environmental Minister, said that "every Malaysian will have a chance to be an astronaut" (The Star, November 1, 2007). He continued to say that the government will not discriminate when making the choice after Faiz. Make Vanajah the next one to be in line for a space expedition. It will give hope not only to the women folk but also to the non-Malays, that they too will have an equal chance to go to space.

Better still, the government should focus on creating the next level of "hardcore" astronauts... the ones who can commandeer and fly space shuttles/rockets, maneuver the space vessel to connect to the International Space Station, and make space walks (not for the fun of it) but to carry out repairs and maintenance works. Also, focus on creating the next generation of scientists and technologists who will build our own rockets, that we can launch from our own soil. The millions of dollars that we are spending to "piggy-ride" others to the final frontier can certainly be put to more worthwhile causes and ambitions.