The future of 38 Oxley Road, the family residence of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, is set to take a historic turn. The government has announced plans to gazette the property as a national monument, considering its significant role in Singapore’s history while trying to balance the late Prime Minister’s wishes for privacy.
Significance of 38 Oxley Road
Built in the late 19th century, this site is more than just a home. It’s a landmark associated with pivotal events in Singapore’s history, including the establishment of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in the 1950s. Founding fathers like Dr Goh Keng Swee and Dr Toh Chin Chye held crucial meetings in its basement dining room, which shaped the nation we know today.
Government’s Decision on Preservation
- The site will be assessed by the National Heritage Board (NHB) and the Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board.
- If preserved, it may be transformed into a public space or heritage park.
- This move is partly in response to requests from the current owner, Lee Hsien Yang, for its demolition.
Balancing Wishes and Public Interest
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo has highlighted the government’s commitment to respecting Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes while ensuring that the area’s historical significance is recognised. Neo stated, “Regardless of the option taken, the government will respect Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes, and will remove all traces of Mr Lee’s and his family’s private living spaces from the buildings.”
The Ongoing Family Saga
The fate of 38 Oxley Road has been contentious, featuring family disputes and different interpretations of Mr Lee’s wishes. Notably, his last will expressed a desire for the house’s demolition, a point of contention among his children. In October 2024, fresh demands for demolition surfaced after Dr Lee Wei Ling’s passing
The Path Ahead
The current owner has until 17 November 2024 to object to the government’s preservation plan. Historical context, combined with Mr Lee’s strong sentiments about his home, presents a complex challenge for Singapore’s authorities.
The government’s decision will likely set precedents on how historical sites are managed in the future, drawing on lessons from a near-decade-long deliberation since Mr Lee’s death in March 2015.