I read with disappointment the letters to the editor about the experiments that the Malaysian astronaut will perform in space. It would appear that writers do not understand the purpose of these experiments and say that Malaysia is just taking toys into space.

To a foreigner, this appears very bad and makes Malaysians look silly. My friends back in the United Kingdom will think I am working with idiots while, in fact, we have some of the best brains in the world here in Malaysia.

The Malaysian experiments using a gyroscope will be very important. It appears that, in order to help the press reporters understand, the gyroscope was described as a spinning top, which is a good description for the layman to understand.

Actually, the Turning Orbital Plane (Top) was the terminology used to describe the gyroscope. The reporters did not grasp that the description was for their benefit and reported that the Malaysian astronaut was actually taking a toy top into space, assuming he wanted to play with it.

Another important experiment is to move liquids in zero gravity conditions. This was clarified in the context of making 'teh tarik' which is very easy with Earth's gravity. But just think, how would you possibly make 'teh tarik' without gravity?

Moving liquids in space is a very difficult and still a very challenging feat. As such, the analogy of making 'the tarik' was used for the benefit of the lay man and the press reporters. It was not meant that they would actually make 'teh tarik'. (Although I am sure that one day there will be a 'teh tarik' stall out there)

These were just two of the tasks that were misrepresented by the press. Reporters should look at how important the experiments really are and explain to the public that there is some serious science happening with the Malaysian flight into space. Don't let the foreigners think Malaysians are stupid.

A report on how good Malaysians can be is urgently needed in the media now to restore confidence to the public.

The writer is experimental research director, Australian Solar Voltaic.