Sharing the angkasawan limelight

Meet the woman who has captured the heart of the country’s first angkasawan. INTAN MAIZURA AHMAD KAMAL finds out how she’s coping in the spotlight.

THE first thing that strikes you upon clapping eyes on the future Mrs Angkasawan, Dr Halina Mohd Yunos, is how tall she looks, especially in her stylish black-and-white ensemble.

Then it’s her easy, pretty smile that dissolves into uncomfortable giggles every time she finds herself posed with questions related to her fiancé, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

That she’s a trifle uneasy to be under such close scrutiny after being catapulted into the limelight is an understatement but the 27-year-old aesthetic physician and GP at a medical centre in Kuala Lumpur seems to be handling it well.

No doubt, all eyes are on her again today as she joins legions of others to support for Avon Malaysia’s Walk Around The World For Breast Cancer campaign at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur.

But those looking to snap that loving Kodak moment of Muszaphar and Halina together might be disappointed – she’s walking with her girlfriends!

“I’ll be doing the walk with a bunch of female friends, all doctors,” begins the Johorean, eyes dancing mischievously. “Of course, the fact that Sheikh is involved is one of the reasons I decided to join but also because it’s for a good cause.”

Halina, who works with dermatologists and plastic surgeons at the medical centre dealing with people seeking treatments for face and body, hopes that through this campaign we can all be more aware of the disease. “It’s really important we understand the importance of early detection and how it saves lives,” adds the Capricorn.

Although she’s not had the misfortune of losing anyone to breast cancer, Halina, who completed her compulsory service in Selayang Hospital after graduating from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with a medical degree, can still feel for those who have.

“My good friend recently lost a classmate to it. She was only 39 and a mother of three. I remember feeling really sad when I heard about her.”

Looking thoughtful, the yoga and gym-loving doctor continues: “I think awareness could be better, particularly in rural areas. It worries me that people still think that the bomoh can provide the answers. At least in urban areas things are better. Having said that, I’m sure the Avon Walk will go a long way towards creating greater awareness. The fact that it’s not just women getting involved is a good thing because men also have to play a role. They must be in the know so they can provide that vital support – emotionally and physically.”

I ask Halina just how much support she’s getting from Muszaphar now that she’s part of a “celebrity” couple.

Her giggle returns. Giving me the “look” for sneaking the question in, she eventually obliges with a resigned smile. “He’s always there giving me encouragement. He doesn’t think it’s a bad thing for me to have my profile raised.”

Is it stressful? Another giggle. “I’m coping! Things were different before. I could do anything I wanted, wear anything I liked but now, especially when I go out with Sheikh, I have to be more mindful of what I wear! Put it this way, everyone would be looking at him – girls, guys, so…” and her voice trails.

Not that she minds, she’s swift to assure. “I’m fine with it but yes, expectations are high.” She’s not wrong there. The next time you go online, type her name in and check out the numerous blogs dedicated to discussions and discussions about her. What she wears, how she ought to look and whether or not she’s a suitable candidate for our “hero” seem to be of national concern.

“It’s quite stressful but I guess it’s okay,” Halina adds, flashing her sunny smile again. “It’s different isn’t it? I mean, not everyone gets to experience what I’m experiencing.”

Does she get jealous with all the attention her fiancé is getting?

“He’s always had fans, ever since his days as a models. I’m used to it. The important thing is that there’s trust and honesty in the relationship,” she replies.

A self-confessed “go with the flow” kind of girl whose only pet peeve in life is nagging, she says that as far as traits are concerned, she and Muszaphar, who’ve known each other for five years, are real opposites. “I like the fact that Sheikh is determined, adventurous, competitive, ambitious and very focused. Although we’re different, we understand each other and what each wants from life.”

What inspires her?

“Love,” she says. “The love of my family and friends inspire me.” Her dad is a retired army officer and her mum, a schoolteacher. She’s the eldest of four siblings and she proudly discloses: “All my siblings are in medical school, following in my footsteps! Two are studying in Ireland while the youngest is at the University of Cairo.”

Things seem to be mapping out quite nicely for this affable young doctor. Not only has she filled up the space in a dashing angkasawan’s heart, she’s also having a great time with her job. “I love meeting all these people that come into the centre,” she gushes. “Everyone is different. The one challenging thing? Dealing with their expectations, definitely. It’s not easy, but I try.”

And suffice to say, she definitely knows all about expectations…