PUTRAJAYA: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry hopes to conclude its investigation into the allegations against Angkasawan Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha within two weeks, said minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had yet to give his statement on the allegations that he had pocketed RM1.2mil from a series of talks, as he had just returned from overseas.

"The Deputy Minister is still fixing (the date) for the meeting. For the time being, all the programmes will go on," he said.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's contract with the Government requires that he gives lectures at schools and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international conferences.

Dr Maximus, speaking to reporters after chairing the Malaysian Innovation Founda-tion's first board of trustees' meeting here yesterday, said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's contract with the Government had ended on Dec 31, and an extension of the year-to-year contract would be based on the investigation results.

"We will see how serious the matter is, and he (Dr Sheikh Muszaphar) would have to answer a few questions. If we are satisfied with the answers, we will look at it and make a decision," he added.

On whether another astronaut, Major Dr Faiz Khalid, would replace Dr Sheikh Muszaphar should the probe find the latter guilty, Dr Maximus said: "Dr Faiz is always available, and he has offered to sign a contract.

On the Malaysian Innovation Foundation, Dr Maximus said its objective was to encourage scientific innovation at the grassroots level, especially among people in the rural areas, farmers, women, students, youths and the disadvantaged group. -The Star/Asia News Network