PETALING JAYA: Whenever researchers or scientists discover a new species, they name the flora or fauna based on circumstances such as geographic location, behaviour or patterns.
On certain occasions, the new species is named after individuals (other than the researchers who discovered it), to honour them. Perhaps to honour a great philanthropist or leader who made an impact on society.
But what are the odds if an animal is named after the wife of a Malaysian Prime Minister? Could there be an animal out there in the wild being given such a name?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Such a creature does indeed exist - a species of leaf beetle, to be exact- and it is named after the wife of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
This species of leaf beetle, discovered in Malaysia, is named Cerophysa sitihasmah in her honour.
The beetle was identified and described in 2003 by Malaysian entomologist Prof Dr Mohamed Salleh Mohamedsaid.
In two Facebook posts, Mohamad Salleh noted that he had written a letter to Dr Siti Hasmah in December 2004, noting that he had named the beetle after her prior to his retirement from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2002.
He apologised in the letter, saying that he did not seek consent from her before giving the name to the new discovery then.
In another post, Mohamad Salleh then posted a written reply by Dr Siti Hasmah in January 2005, thanking him for doing so.
She said, "I was genuinely surprised but felt happy that the leaf beetle carrying my name, and I hope, it is not an aggressive type! Its carapace is lovely and shiny. Thank you for this honour given to me — the first time it has not been flora."
It is also noted that, prior to this, Dr Siti Hasmah has an orchid species named after her (Trichoglottis sitihasmahae).
READ MORE: Five things to know about Tun Dr Siti Hasmah
Details of the leaf beetle can be found in the International Journal Genus (Vol. 14, Issue 3), which formally describes the new species and notes the etymology, which dedicated 'C. sitihasmah to the then-First Lady of Malaysia.'
The species was described from a specimen originally collected in Chegar Perah, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, and deposited in the Centre for Insect Systematics at UKM.
Dr Siti Hasmah passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Sept 28 at the age of 100. She married former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1956.
Her passing made the nation weep, with many posting on social media about what a great person she was, and how she had impacted their lives with her demeanour and work.
Sources:
1. https://www.kosmo.com.my/2026/
3. https://orchidroots.com/
4. https://www.facebook.com/
5. https://www.facebook.com/
