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3 reports lodged over astronaut's fee for talks |
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Posted by admin
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Saturday, 06 December 2008 10:21 |
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(New Straits Times) - Three reports have so far been lodged against Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha for allegedly charging exorbitant fees to give motivational talks.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof said the reports were lodged by two non-governmental organisations and a government body.
Without revealing the names of the organisations, Fadillah said the ministry would issue a statement next week to reveal the outcome of its investigations, which had attracted public interest.
"So far we have only received three complaints regarding this issue," he said in a phone interview.
Yesterday, the committee under the ministry which had been tasked with probing claims that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had been imposing enormous charges for his appearances, met to discuss the preliminary findings of the probe.
Fadillah said the seven-man committee comprised officers of the ministry and its agencies as well as several "outside" people.
It is understood that the committee may also call in the complainants to facilitate investigations.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is also likely to be called in for his side of the story.
Fadillah said the extension of the Angkasawan Negara's contract with the government was also likely to depend on the outcome of the investigations.
Sheikh Muszaphar's contract with the government, which he signed two years ago, expires on Dec 31.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was reported to have made RM1.2 million from charging clients to talk about his experience in the International Space Station last year. Reports said he charged RM8,000 per hour to speak.
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