The Singapore government disputes Lee Hsien Yang’s claim about the fate of the 38 Oxley Road house, emphasizing the need for a careful, future-oriented decision.
The Singapore government has rejected Mr. Lee Hsien Yang’s claim that the 38 Oxley Road house should be demolished immediately following the death of his sister, Dr. Lee Wei Ling, on October 9, 2024. A government spokesperson issued a statement on October 25, saying that Mr. Lee Hsien Yang’s assertions about his father’s will are inaccurate and that his push for urgent demolition creates a false sense of urgency.
While it is true that founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew expressed a preference for the house’s demolition in his will, he also acknowledged the possibility of preserving it. In a 2011 letter to the Cabinet, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew outlined conditions under which the house could be preserved, including significant renovations and reinforcement of its foundations. This is in contrast to his son’s interpretation, which insists on immediate demolition.
The government emphasized that it intends to keep options open, allowing for future deliberations regarding the house’s fate. A ministerial committee formed in 2018 had suggested three possibilities: preserving the property as a national monument, preserving only the basement dining room, or fully demolishing the house for redevelopment. The final decision was left to a future government.
The statement also referenced previous legal proceedings where Mr. Lee Hsien Yang and his wife, Mrs. Lee Suet Fern, were found to have lied under oath concerning the handling of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s will. The government dismissed their claims as part of a broader pattern of misleading statements.
The government spokesperson concluded by acknowledging the differing opinions among Singaporeans on the issue but stressed that the decision should be made thoughtfully, considering both Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s wishes and the historical significance of the house for future generations.
