I DO not know whether to laugh or cry reading the Bernama report “Sarawak collaborates with Japan to produce textile for astronauts” published on Jan 14.
On one hand, I applaud Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his vision of transforming Sarawak into the “Norway of the East” by fostering a stable economy and efficiently managing its resources, and the recent takeover of MASwings to establish a state-owned airline.
On the other hand, I could not see the point of venturing beyond aeronautical engineering to aerospace which includes spacecraft, space exploration, and astronauts in manned expeditions.
So far, only three countries (the Soviet Union/Russia, the United States, and China) have launched their manned spacecraft into space.
In total, citizens from 48 countries have flown into outer space including a Malaysian in 2007, on a state-sponsored space tourist programme.
It was in conjunction with the 50th year of our nation’s independence and intended to improve Malaysia’s international image, help develop the economy, inspire the country’s youth, and raise awareness of the importance of science and technology.
If so, it has been a flop going by the results since then. Our country continued to slide backwards in many spheres, as much of our education and society could not keep pace with the rapidly changing world. To feel proud, many resorted to sloganeering or shibboleth to get by.
In a town hall session, Abang Johari was reported to have said “Currently, we are working with a company in Tokyo to develop low-carbon materials based on chemicals to create the textiles. Perhaps one day, astronaut suits labelled ‘Made in Sarawak’ will become a reality.”
But will there be an outflux of people to space in the future? Currently, there are only two fully operational space stations in orbit. The United States International Space Station (ISS) since 2000, and China’s Tiangong Space Station (TSS) since 2022.
Two astronauts have been stranded on board the ISS since last June. They were expected to stay for eight days but are stuck there indefinitely because their Boeing Starliner capsule went kaput and are waiting for a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to be ready and bring them back.
It is unlikely the demand will be great for textiles to be used by astronauts in outer space or wannabes on planet Earth.
Some old-timers may still remember the 1998 film “Lost in Space”. It is more likely to see a fairytale come to life one day, as facts can be stranger than fiction.
One fairytale is called “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. It was about a vain emperor who wanted a new suit for a parade and was conned by the tailor who told him the new suit would be made of textile only stupid people cannot see. But in reality, there was no cloth and the tailor pretended to put it on the naked emperor.
As nobody wanted to admit they were stupid, everyone at the parade pretended they could see the suit and complimented the emperor. Only a child was innocent enough to point out that the emperor was not wearing clothes at all.
While we should seek glory for our country, grandeur in structures and ceremonies can appear farcical, especially for outsiders and citizens who did not derive any benefit from them. Likewise, those who are conceited are disliked, no matter how smart or rich they may be.
On the other hand, the greatest respect is given to those who remain grounded, even though they have much money or influence.
Good or bad, nothing lasts forever, and what goes up must come down. The newly rich flaunt their wealth, while the old rich may even pretend to be poor. – Jan 16, 2025
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
