Merlion best icon for Singapore? (Keefe)

Merlion consists of " mer " which means sea and " lion " . It's fish body represents Singapore as a fishing village back then and the lion head represents what Singapore was originally called " Singapura " meaning lion city. The merlion is a suitable representative icon of Singapore because it strictly represents Singapore for what it was and is right now, a fishing village and a lion city.

 The merlion has its own roots in our Singapore history as well, there is a famous take on how the " lion " of merlion came about. It was a story about how a prince from Palembang, Sang Nila Utama, encountered a lion on the shores of Singapore. He then named Singapore, Singapura ( " lion city " in Sanskrit ) 

Although many might say that the merlion is not something unique to Singapore so therefore it should not take the status of a national icon. But in my own point of view, a national icon does not have to be unique to the world, it just has to be unique to its country where it can be recognized as a national icon. 

What is the use of a national icon? National icons are used to invoke patriotism, unity by portraying the Nation's goals and history. The merlion is perfect in a sense that it does what it is supposed to do. It invokes patriotism and unity by portraying one of Singapore's goals which is to be adaptable to the World's ever changing economics because the merlion adapts to both land and water, and it reminds Singaporeans of their history as a fishing village which is now a city roaring with success.