Singapore is set to conduct a heritage study on 38 Oxley Road, the former family home of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, to determine whether the site should be preserved. The home has been embroiled in a dispute among Lee’s children, leading to estrangement between them since 2017.
The National Heritage Board of Singapore announced the study, acknowledging the variety of opinions among Singaporeans on the matter. Following the recent passing of Lee Wei Ling, Lee Hsien Yang applied to demolish the house, prompting the need for a thorough evaluation of options outlined in a 2018 report by a ministerial committee.
The committee identified the building’s architectural and historical significance, proposing three options for the government: preserving it as a national monument, retaining the basement dining room, or demolishing the entire structure. The decision on the fate of 38 Oxley Road will require careful consideration to honor its heritage while accommodating differing viewpoints.