(Photo : en.wikipedia.org)

• Lee Hsien Yang plans to demolish his father's historic home, aligning with the late Lee Kuan Yew's wishes.
• The house at 38 Oxley Road is a symbol of Singapore's transformation under Lee Kuan Yew's leadership.
• The fate of the house has been contentious among Lee Kuan Yew's children, with the government potentially retaining it as a heritage landmark.
• The decision on the house's future intertwines personal wishes, historical significance, and public interest, potentially shaping Singapore's historical preservation efforts.

In a move that has sparked public debate in Singapore, Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest son of the city-state's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, has announced his intention to demolish his father's historic home. This decision, which aligns with the late Lee Kuan Yew's wishes, comes in the wake of the passing of Lee Kuan Yew's daughter, Lee Wei Ling. The house at 38 Oxley Road is not just any property. It is a symbol of Singapore's transformation from a small island nation to a global powerhouse under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew.

The Legacy of 38 Oxley Road

The house was the backdrop for crucial decisions and discussions that shaped Singapore's policies and growth. However, Lee Kuan Yew was clear about his wishes for the house. He wanted it to be demolished after his death, fearing it would become a shambles if opened to the public and hoping its removal would improve land values in the neighbourhood. The fate of the house has been a contentious issue among Lee Kuan Yew's children. Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's third Prime Minister and the eldest son, believed the government should decide the property's future, including potentially retaining it as a heritage landmark.

The Dispute Over the House's Future

However, his siblings, Lee Wei Ling and Lee Hsien Yang, insisted on honouring their father's wishes to demolish the house. Following Lee Wei Ling's recent passing, Lee Hsien Yang, now the sole executor of the estate, has reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his father's final wishes. He plans to apply for the house's demolition and construct a small private dwelling for the family, urging the government to approve the demolition. The office of the current Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, has yet to respond to these developments.

Historical Significance and Future Options

In 2018, a ministerial committee set up to consider the house's future laid out three options: full conservation, partial conservation, or full demolition for redevelopment. The decision was left to a future government, acknowledging the complexity and sensitivity of the issue. At that time, Lee Hsien Loong accepted the committee's conclusion and the range of options presented. The house's historical significance is undeniable. It was in the basement dining room of the property that the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) was formed in 1954. It also served as the party's de facto office until the PAP secured its own headquarters.