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also Letter to the The Straits Times Forum Page, 16 Aug 05 Honour the squirrel? Not for the lionhearted Letter to the The Straits Times Forum Page, 11 Aug 05 How about squirrel as our National Animal? I READ with fascination about the biodiversity and ancient history of Singapore in Inside Track (ST, Aug 9). I did not realise that the plantain squirrel is endemic to Singapore because the Nature Society told me that this animal is 'very common everywhere' when I first sighted it in Bishan Park. There are three plantain squirrels in Bishan and there are more in surrounding towns. The plantain squirrel is adaptable to the changing environment of Singapore and it seems friendly to park visitors. I would like to suggest to the Government to designate it as the National Animal of Singapore to stimulate the spirit of adaptability, humility, boldness and friendliness in Singaporeans. We do not have lions and tigers in our parks, do we? The Singapore Kopsia is worthy to be called the National Day Flower due to its 'national colours' and throat that looks like a star. It is far more beautiful than Vanda Miss Joaquim. The tree that bears such flowers is worthy to be called the National Tree of Singapore. And how about Singaporean crabs as National Sea Animals of Singapore? The designation of national animals and plants will give Singapore tourism a boost, drawing tourists to take a look at a natural Singapore, and pulling Singaporeans together under a meaningful national identity. About ancient Vietnam's mention of Temasek, local historians and archaeologists should find out more about the ancient links between Singapore and Indochina. The glass beads that are conserved at Fort Canning resemble those discovered in Oc Eo, a heritage site of Vietnam that dates back to the days of Funan (one of the ancient names of Cambodia). Overall, Inside Track is the best read of all National Day Specials by The Straits Times. Gan Yung Chyan Letter to the The Straits Times Forum Page, 16 Aug 05 Honour the squirrel? Not for the lionhearted NO OFFENCE meant to Mr Gan Yung Chyan, but replacing our National Animal with a squirrel is ill-advised ('How about squirrel as our National Animal?'; ST, Aug 11). The Lion is deeply embedded in Singaporean culture, whether we realise it or not. Can you imagine the Singapore River being watched over by a 'Mersquirrel'? Would you cheer as loudly for a soccer team introduced as 'the Young Squirrels'? If we changed our National Animal, would we have to rename our country Tupaipura, the Squirrel City? I will keep the lion, thank you. As for the Kopsia being adopted as the National Flower, beauty is subjective. The Kopsia is undeniably pretty, but not everyone would agree that it is 'far more beautiful than Vanda Miss Joaquim'. Our current National Flower is beautiful in its own right. I am sure Sang Nila Utama saw plenty of plantain squirrels upon his arrival. But there is a reason he chose to name our country after the lion. I am confident that the majority of Singaporeans would prefer a national animal that conjures an image of majesty, strength and pride, over a jittery rodent that calls to mind cuteness and fecundity. Singapore did not reach such great heights with its people taking after cute, fuzzy squirrels, which run away at the slightest hint of danger. It does not matter whether we have lions in our parks because if tiny Singapore's success is anything to go by, we are all lions at heart. Grace Tang Shi Min (Miss) links Related articles on Singapore's biodiversity |
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