It was heartening to read of plans to re-create the historical gardens and spring in Fort Canning Park (Fort Canning Park to host bicentennial showcase next year; Feb 4).

The re-creation of Stamford Raffles' bungalow, the flagstaff and lighthousein Fort Canning Park have given visitors a much clearer idea of what these landmarks used to look like, and a better appreciation of the important roles the area played in yesteryears.

I hope the authorities will consider re-creating two other major landmarks in the park.

The first is the palatial building that was the home of the kings of old Singapura. A smaller version of the palace could be built without destroying any buried artefacts.

We could feature a gallery of paintings on what life could have been like in the ancient kingdom, as well as display some artefacts and recreated arts and crafts of the era.

The "palace" could also host traditional music and dramatic performances from the lands of the old Majapahit Empire, which Singapore was a part of.

The building could even function as a visitor centre of sorts for the older, non-colonial part of Fort Canning Park.

The second landmark is the National Theatre at the foot of Fort Canning Park - an old favourite of Singaporeans, especially our pioneer generation, many of whom sold or bought "bricks" or souvenir cards to help raise funds for its construction.

The theatre, with its iconic "crescent moon" fountain could be rebuilt as a venue for community events and cultural performances.

As the Government seeks to commemorate the 200th year since Raffles introduced British rule here, I hope the re-creation of the old palace and National Theatre will remind Singaporeans, especially the younger generation, that there were vibrant and significant parts of the Singapore Story before and after the colonial period.

Edwin Pang