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When asked whether Singapore should emulate a lion, dolphin, or shrimp, Lee Kuan Yew selected the shrimp as the most apt symbol. Unlike a lion, which might evoke brute strength and dominance, or a dolphin, which symbolizes agility and intelligence, the shrimp emphasizes subtlety, defensiveness, and the ability to defend oneself even when small and seemingly insignificant.
Lee explained that a shrimp, despite its diminutive size, can carry poisonous substances that serve as a defense mechanism against predators. This metaphor neatly encapsulates Singapore’s defensive strategy: being small but fortified with protective measures that ensure its safety and independence.