Astronaut defends himself

KUALA LUMPUR: Angkasawan Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor met with Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry officials Monday to defend himself against allegations that he had earned RM1.2mil from lecture fees.

It is learnt that Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof, who was tasked with investigating the matter, met with Dr Sheikh Muszaphar for about two hours, and the discussions also included his contract with the ministry, which expires Dec 31.

“He denied the allegation,” Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said, reiterating that the ministry had yet to receive any formal complaint on the matter, and that he was awaiting a report from Fadillah this week.

He also said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had until Thursday to indicate whether he wanted to continue his contract with the ministry under the Angkasawan Programme, or return to UKM Hospital.

A news portal recently alleged that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar could have earned up to RM1.2mil, as he had charged RM8,000 for one-hour talks to 150 corporate companies.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof said on Sunday the investigation would be conducted by a committee to be set up after the deadline for receiving all reports and complaints from the public ended tomorrow (Monday).

Failure to furnish solid evidence would leave the ministry with no choice but to regard the complaints as mere allegations, he said.

“If we don’t receive many complaints, we can conclude the investigation very fast but if there are many then it may take a little bit longer but our target is to complete (the probe) by early December,” he said when asked about the timeframe for the investigation.