The property at 38 Oxley Road was gazetted as a national monument on Dec. 12, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and National Heritage Board (NHB) said in a joint release on the same day.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo issued a preservation order after reviewing NHB's assessment on Nov. 3 that the former residence of Lee Kuan Yew had great historic and national merit.
Lee Hsien Yang's objection was noted
Neo's decision took into account the objection letter submitted by Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest son of Lee Kuan Yew, to the Prime Minister's Office and NHB on Nov. 17.
"In line with established processes under the Preservation of Monuments Act 2009, NHB has reviewed the objection letter and maintained its recommendation that the Site is worthy of preservation as a National Monument for its historic significance and national importance."
Neo noted that the letter did not challenge the site's historic significance or national importance, nor the evaluation process for identifying potential national monuments.
Lee Hsien Yang stated in his letter that his late father was “clear and unambiguous” throughout his life that he wanted his home at 38 Oxley Road to be demolished, MCCY and NHB noted.
Nonetheless, the two authorities reiterated that although Lee Kuan Yew's personal preference was demolition, he was prepared to accept options other than that, provided that suitable arrangements were made.
These arrangements include refurbishing the building and keeping it in a habitable state, and protecting his family’s privacy.
"Preserving the site does not mean that the building and structures on the site must be kept in their original state," MCCY and NHB said.
Previously on Nov. 6, Neo said in Parliament that the government will keep all options open about how to treat the buildings and structures within the site, including possibly converting the site into a heritage park.
Neo also emphasised that the government will respect Lee Kuan Yew's wish to protect the family's privacy, regardless of the option taken, and will commit to removing the private living spaces from the interior of the building.
"Under no circumstances will the interior of the house as Mr Lee knew, be displayed, recorded, remodelled or duplicated elsewhere."
Describing 38 Oxley Road as a unique and foundational part of Singapore’s journey to independence, MCCY and NHB said that "the decision to preserve the site is made in the public interest, and goes beyond the personal preferences of any individual".
Next steps
Now that the preservation order has been issued, the government plans to acquire the site to safeguard and preserve it in keeping with its historic significance and national importance.
During this process, the site cannot be redeveloped for residential, commercial or other private uses.
After acquisition, the relevant authorities will assess the condition of the buildings and structures, and undertake a detailed study to consider the next steps.
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