Singaporeans urged to act like monkeys. Really

It’s another of those stories I couldn’t make up if I wanted to.

People in strait-laced Singapore were urged Monday to act like monkeys — the Chinese zodiac sign for the coming Lunar year — for the sake of their country.

Singaporeans could foster an economic recovery this year by behaving more like monkeys, Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan said in a Lunar New Year message reported in The Straits Times newspaper.

Chinese communities around the world will herald the start of the Year of the Monkey on Thursday. Chinese believe the monkey is clever, flexible, innovative and confident, but can also be selfish, jealous and vain.

“Be like a monkey. When things happen, you have to be nimble. Take advantage of opportunities, don’t be cast down, but rise to the challenge if it does occur,” Tan was quoted as saying.

Sounds like Singapore has absolutely gone bananas. I wonder if he was wearing Funky Monkey briefs when he made his remarks.

The Discussion: 4 Comments

Well, they got that bit about being selfish, jealous and vain right…

I wonder what they’d say if it were the “Year of the Pig”?

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

January 20, 2004 @ 3:02 pm | Comment

OMG, today’s myfirst day of school, and i met this visiting associated professor from HK. he’s obsessed saying how his zodiac tells him he should be prosperous during the year of monkey. and he kept telling us these wacky stories about fengshui and how he really believes in it. it amazes me how people outside of mainland china are so superstitous. i never heard people discussing that when i was living in shanghai for 12 years.

January 21, 2004 @ 3:42 pm | Comment

Festive Spirit

Singaporeans Urged to Act Like Monkeys —but what if I don’t want to invade embassies in Nepal? Thanks to Richard for the link. Anyway, I’m off to the reunion dinner soon. Have a good new year. Ook ook….

January 21, 2004 @ 4:56 pm | Comment

Happy New Year, Dodo and Idle. Thanks for all your great comments.

January 22, 2004 @ 9:01 pm | Comment

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