The Singapore government has made a bold move to preserve the legacy of its founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, by designating the site of his family home at 38 Oxley Road as a national monument. This decision, announced on November 3, 2025, marks a significant step in the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the Lee family residence. But here's where it gets controversial... The site, which has been the center of a long-standing family dispute, will be transformed into a public heritage park, ensuring that Lee Kuan Yew's memory lives on for generations to come. However, this move has sparked differing opinions, with some questioning the government's decision to intervene in a private matter. And this is the part most people miss... The National Heritage Board's Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) Advisory Board assessed the site's historic significance and national importance, leading to the government's intention to gazette it as a national monument. If a preservation order is made, the government plans to acquire the site, safeguarding it from any redevelopment for residential, commercial, or private uses. This is a crucial step in preserving Singapore's rich history and cultural heritage, but it also raises questions about the balance between public interest and private property rights. The controversy surrounding the Lee family home at 38 Oxley Road has been a topic of discussion for years, with the issue resurfacing after the death of Dr. Lee Wei Ling, who had been living in the house after Lee Kuan Yew's passing. The younger brother of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Hsien Yang, submitted an application to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to demolish the property, sparking further debate. The authorities have now recommended preserving the site, acknowledging its national significance and historic merit. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo has accepted this recommendation, paving the way for the next steps in the preservation process. Preserving the site does not necessarily mean preserving all existing buildings and structures in their current state, as the authorities have not had the chance to assess their condition. A detailed study will be carried out to consider the next steps, and the government will consider all options, including those proposed by a ministerial committee in its 2018 report. Regardless of the chosen option, the government will respect Lee Kuan Yew's wishes and remove all traces of his and his family's private living spaces from the buildings. This decision has sparked further discussion and invites the public to voice their opinions, encouraging a thoughtful consideration of the balance between preserving history and respecting private property rights. The government's commitment to preserving this site as a national monument is a significant step in safeguarding Singapore's cultural heritage, but it also invites a broader conversation about the role of government in such matters.
