Dendrobium Thein Sein? Give me a break!
On 18 Mar 2009, it was reported in the Straits Times that Myanmar Prime Minister, General Thein Sein, came to Singapore for a 2-day official visit.
Engaging the military junta of Myanmar has proven to be a tough act for Asean since Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest in 1989. Naming an orchid after a member of this ruthless regime is even a harder act to fathom.
Flowers are powerful symbols of love, peace, remembrance and appreciation; almost everything the junta is not associated with!
The military rulers of Myanmar refused to give up power peacefully in the 1990 General Election, led a bloody crackdown on unarmed monks in 2007, and delayed aids to survivors of last year's deadly Cyclone Nargis.
Engaging a despotic regime in a talk is good enough but to go the length and 'appease' such mean and heartless leaders is just too much for me to swallow. Can anyone imagine a flower named after leaders like Hilter? For that, the Botanic Garden scores a perfect 10 on 'dumb things to name an orchid after'.
And to the civil servant who suggested this act to honour the General, please google the web for news on Aung San Suu kyi, Myanmar monks, and victims of Cyclone Nargis. Then take a look in the mirror and tell yourself you have done the right thing. Can you do that with a straight face?
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=25315.1
Friday, March 27, 2009
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