Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor:Tribute to my beloved brother Ajil...

I have completed my mission in space successfully. The 12 days in space was
the most exciting time of my life. It feels like I was living in a dream.
Even now, there are times when I had to pinch myself to remind me of the
times that I had been to space. It was such a magical moment! I am
definitely going to share as much as possible my experiences with all
Malaysians.

I would like to contribute my journey to space to my beloved little brother
Sheikh Mustapha Shukor or " Ajil " whom I missed dearly. He has been a
great supporter of me. In fact he was my No 1 fan. He gets very excited and
thrilled when I was announced as the first Malaysian angkasawan. His room
is filled with my pictures and about space showing his much vast interest
in these field. He loves to debate with me on every topic from politics to
the small petty things in life. Among the 5 brothers, he is the most
intelligent, determined and ambitious.. If he would have joined the space
programme, he would surely be my strongest competitor. He would probably be
the angkasawan and me as his back-up. He even had completed a book on my
journey to space which I have yet to read but is with me for my
safekeepings. That was his gift to me.

My beloved brother, Ajil

Being in space has changed my perspective in life. Small petty things does
not concern me anymore. Space has taught me to look at the bigger picture.
I am more concerned of the global problems such as war, world hunger,
poverty and pollution. I could see the beauty of God's creation and it
touches me spiritually. I encourage everyone from all walks of life to keep
our earth green and save our planet. After all, it is our home !

I have done my soul-searching for many many years by going to Afghanistan
in 2002 after the war and Cambodia in 2003 for humanitarian aid under
MERCY. I have always felt some emptiness inside not knowing what it was.
But I have found my inner soul in space. I felt somehow complete while I
was in space.

Thank you again to all Malaysians for their Fatihah and prayers to Ajil. He
shall always be in my heart. I will continue my role as an angkasawan as I
knew that is what he wanted. I am ready to face the world.

"I have found my life in space but lost a life upon return"
My journey to space is for you Ajil!


Dr Sheikh
Angkasawan Negara