I refer to the Malaysiakini report, Part-time model is nation's first astronaut .

Malaysia will soon send its first astronaut (most would call him a space tourist) into space, at great cost to the ordinary citizen, as it would have been built into the price of defence contracts awarded to the Russians.

The space tourist has been described as a part-time model. Sometimes, in tabloid-speak, such a description is meant to cast some light on a person's sexual disposition. I hope it is not what I think they mean - Dr Mahathir Mohamad will not be very happy, knowing his views on such matters.

On to something more serious:

Meanwhile, remaining unresolved are 'minor' issues like blocked open drains of stagnant water in many towns, lack of good medical care in government hospitals, racial/religious divisions, income disparity, abuse of the judicial system by politicians ... the list is endless.

Developed status by 2020? You mean third world status by 2020. 'From possible First World to Third' sounds like a good title for a book on Malaysia.