Museum of Natural History: Where should it be?

I read the news and learnt that the Malaysian government is planning to set up a new museum.

This new museum will house Malaysia's numerous natural history under one roof.

This is a definitely a good thing. 

I can still recall how mesmerized I was, looking at all the strange looking animals on display at the Natural History Wing in Malaysia's National Museum; Muzium Negara.

I know that it would be wonderful if people can actually see those animals, alive and well in the wild, but lets face it.

Not many among us are willing to go into insect infested jungles to experience close encounters with wild creatures.

Static exhibits displayed in air conditioned buildings are the next best, realistic option that we can have.

This is a positive move that I readily support.

What I find intriguing is the spot that the government put forth to house our nation's natural treasures, PUTRAJAYA.

This choice of place is something that I can't agree with.

WHY on earth does this new museum has to be built in Putrajaya?

WHY can't we have the museum build somewhere nearer to it's present location, Muzium Negara?

Can't the government pick a better place to house our nation's natural treasures within the compound of Lake Gardens?

I personally believe that, locating the much anticipated Muzeum of Natural History within the grounds of Lake Gardens, nearer to Muzium Negara (and to other attractions, eg Muzium Kesenian Islam, etc) are much more practical and is so much more convenient for people to visit, if compared with far away Putrajaya.

And I don't think that I am alone in this.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Friday December 19, 2008

Better to site museum at Tasik Perdana area

THE Government’s effort to finally set up the Museum of Natural History is most commendable and long overdue.

Most of us can still remember the natural history section when we visited the old Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur. To some of us, this section was more fascinating than the others because of the exquisite collections.

Today, the newly refurbished and revamped exhibits at Muzium Negara are more streamlined to portray the early history till the present day of the country.

What does not seem right is that the proposed RM5mil Museum of Natural History will be sited in Putrajaya. Why at the seat of the government?

I am of the view that the present tourism and cultural belt or precinct around the Tasik Perdana area will be a more suitable choice.

If land or building is the stumbling block, perhaps the Civil Ser vice Museum at the fringe of the lake area can be swapped with the proposed Natural History Museum.

The Tasik Perdana area already boasts of many tourist attractions, including the Islamic Arts Museum, the Police Museum, the Tun Razak Memorial, Planetarium, the Historical Museum and, of course, our pride, the National Museum.

To include the Museum of Natural History in the area would not just be more convenient to tourists, it would also enrich the area.

Again, the proposed Museum of Natural History should have the best collections. Let’s hope it would not be just another tourism edifice.

ZARI MALAYSIANA,

Petaling Jaya.