PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad has constantly reminded us to look forward. Space science is one of the examples that Malaysia is proud to be involved in.
Space science has its origin in astronomy, the queen of the sciences. Astronomy has posed a special challenge to Mus lims.As we know, Malaysia will launch a programme to send astronauts to space by year 2005. This programme is to partially offset Malaysia’s purchase of 18 Sukhoi fighter jets worth US$900mil (RM3.42bil) from Russia.This implies a greater co-operation between these two countries, especially in aerospace technology transfer.
Similarly, it reflects the vision and ingenuity of our leadership in enabling Malaysia not only to acquire the most sophisticated air defence system but also to bargain for the prospects of venturing into space technology.
Allah prescribes in verses 33 of Surah al-Rahman of the Holy Quran to the effect: “O ye assembly of Jinns and Men! If it be ye can pass beyond zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! Not without power or authority shall ye be able to pass.”
Historically, Ibrahim ibn Habib al-Fazari was the first Muslim scientist to be involved in pioneering work in astronomy. He predicted lunar and solar eclipses and worked on the lunar year, the movement of stars and the timing of prayers.
This knowledge led to a structured observation throughout the Muslim world. Many great Muslim astronomers, such as al-Khawarizmi, al-Battani, ibn Kathir, al-Sufi, al-Buzjani, ibn al-Haytham and al-Biruni benefited from Ibrahim ibn Habib al-Fazari’s findings.
From then on, astronomy became the playground of Western scientists, beginning with Johannes Muller followed by Novara and Copernicus.Now, in this new millennium, would Malaysia be the leading Islamic country in space technology? We are aware that whoever controls space technology will dominate space. Who will then be the first Malaysian astronaut or cosmonaut?
According to our Prime Minister anybody having met a minimum qualification can be the country’s first person in space if they are fit, intelligent and have the right aptitude, “No age limit to be Malaysian Astronaut”, (The Star, Aug 8).
The report further stated the National Space Agency would be calling for space volunteers within these two months. The outlined criteria shows the transparency in the selection of the Malaysian astronaut.Coincidentally, the same matter was highlighted in my article published by a national newspaper on July10, written before the news report with regards to the procedure in recalling Malaysian scientists from abroad.
According to the Russian space agency spokesman, Rosaviakosmos, Malaysian cosmonauts would undergo more than 18 months of training at the International Space Station and they also have to learn Russian.
Here, we might think of the importance of knowledge and language. Which is more important and comes first, knowledge or language?
The first hurdle to the transfer of technology in this case might be the language barrier, but bear in mind language is just a medium to gain knowledge. However, as I have discussed with a Russian friend, the prospective Malaysian astronaut will not just sit on chairs and go to the moon. What is more important is to conquer the space technology and the task that follows after.Can it be done in 18 months of training? What will be the task expected of the successful irst Malaysian astronaut in space exploration?
Two strategies must be taken into consideration: (a) short term and (b) long term. The short-term effect is more on physical fitness and the ability to go through the training and exploration exercise and programme. The long-term strategy, which is equally important, is to cover the intellectual ground upon their return.
We need Muslim astronauts who can give intellectual input to the world from the Islamic perspective.
The opportunity in front of us now is to follow the footsteps of other Muslim scholars who excelled in the various ciences, such as Avicenna (Ibn sina) (370–428 H / 980–1037M) who wrote many books like Al-Shafa, Najat, Qanun, Sadidiyya, Al-Mantiq, Al-Musiqa, Qamus Al-Arabi, Danesh Namesh and Mujiz Kabir Wa Saghir.The Qanun, for example, is also widely known in the west as Canon and has been used for 600 years throughout the world as a medical reference book. Can this type of people be born among Malaysians out of this space exploration initiative?
ur Government is working hard to succeed in science and technology by introducing the teaching of science in English at primary school and by the recent bio-valley initiative.
Let us ponder as to why the United States is the superpower. Their domination over science and technology enables them to lead world civilisation.
Can the US power be equalled or balanced by other countries? Would it be possible for the Russians to transfer their technology to countries like Malaysia?If Malaysia were to be the leading Islamic country in the quest to obtain advance space and other sophisticated technologies, can we garner the co-operation of other Muslim nations through the Organisation of Islamic Countries and pool their wealth to benefit collectively from this initiative?
Russia has indicated its interest to be represented in the OIC claiming it had a sizeable Muslim population. Will Russian membership in OIC narrow the bridge of the technology backwardness among Muslim countries hence
bringing about the transformation of a new Muslim civilisation?Malaysia, on the other hand, can be successful in space exploration and achieve advancement in science and technology if only certain procedures are made more flexible and not restrictive.
For example, to obtain scholarships or education loans to further doctorate studies, an applicant must not be between 41 and 45 years of age.
Another instance is where one has to apply for the National Science Fellowship (NSF) sponsored by the Science Technology and Environment Ministry. For doctorate studies, applicants must not be more than 35 years old.
Thus, most of the PhD students who are sponsored by NSF are fresh graduates because applicants with working experience of 12 to 15 years in industry are not entitled because of the age limit.
Experience is very important to minimise the gap between laboratory and industrial work. If these age restrictions are followed strictly, an experienced scientist with both laboratory and field skills will be marginalised.
The quality of research findings is not determined by age. Learning and acquiring knowledge are integral to Islamic faith and this has been a consistent intellectual emphasis in Islam since 1400AD. Age was never a factor to determine success in the quest for knowledge.The time has come for Muslims to break this self-exile. A repeat performance of the Islamic civilisation its heyday is not impossible.
Science and technology development in Malaysia can be made possible and successful if there is a change in its age restriction policy so that more scholars can pursue masters or doctoral studies. So long as scholars are intelligent and have the aptitude for knowledge excellence, they should be encouraged to pursue knowledge.
