M'SIA LIKELY TO REVIEW PLAN TO SEND SECOND ASTRONAUT INTO SPACE

PETALING JAYA (Malaysia), Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is likely to review the plan to send its second astronaut into space in 2011 or 2012 in view of the uncertain global economy.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadhillah Yusof said
Monday priority had to be given to more important programmes in view of the
current economic situation.

Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, the candidate to make the space trip, would continue
to attend the scheduled training sessions to create awareness and kindle the
interest of young people in science and technology, which is necessary to boost
the nation's competitiveness, he told reporters after launching an ISO 26000
seminar on " Guidance on Social Responsibility: Impact on Trade and Social
Development in Southeast Asia", here.

Fadhillah said that if necessary the priority for the programme would be
lowered or the programme postponed, but the decision would have to be made by
the Cabinet.

The National Angkasawan (Astronaut) Programme was launched in 2003 after
the Russian government agreed to help send a Malaysian to the International
Space Station (ISS) in geo-stationary orbit as part of a technology transfer
deal tied with Malaysia's purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi fighter jets.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha became the first Malaysian
astronaut when he spent 12 days in the ISS in October last year.