MPs grill Government on 38 Oxley Road plan; WP questions respect for LKY’s wishes, transparency on cost

SINGAPORE: On 6 November 2025, at least 12 Members of Parliament pressed the Government to justify its intention to preserve and potentially acquire 38 Oxley Road, the historic home of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

The debate, lasting over 45 minutes, followed a ministerial statement by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo on the site’s future.

Workers’ Party (WP) MPs focused on how the Government would balance Lee Kuan Yew’s and current owner Lee Hsien Yang’s wishes with public interest.

They questioned whether the site could be altered, relocated, or partially closed instead of being preserved in situ.

They also called for transparency on acquisition costs and valuations, and sought clarity on what heritage value the site could offer beyond the Founders’ Memorial, already being built at Bay East Garden.

Jamus Lim recalls Lee Kuan Yew’s desire for demolition

Associate Professor Jamus Lim, WP MP for Sengkang GRC, reminded the House that Lee Kuan Yew had expressed a personal desire for the property to be demolished after his death. Lim noted that this wish was shared by the current owner, Lee Hsien Yang.

He said the Government had yet to decide whether to preserve the buildings in their current form, noting that any preservation plan would involve removing all private living spaces.

Lim earlier disclosed that the WP had received “financial contributions from certain members of the Lee family associated with the Oxley property”, adding that all were properly declared under relevant regulations.

The MP questioned how the National Heritage Board weighs public benefit against private preferences when deliberating heritage status.

He urged the Government to respect ownership rights and consider alternatives, such as closing the site to visitors unless permission is granted, or reconstructing key structures at the Founders’ Memorial.

In reply, Neo said it was premature to determine any configuration as authorities and technical experts had not yet assessed the property. “At this point, all options remain open,” he said.

Calls for transparency in valuation and cost disclosure

Gerald Giam, WP MP for Aljunied GRC, asked whether an independent valuation would be conducted before acquisition and if the Government would commit to publicly releasing the full valuation report.

Neo said the acquisition process would comply with established procedures under the Land Acquisition Act, adding that affected owners would be allowed to submit claims to the Singapore Land Authority.

A professional valuer would assist in determining the market value of the land, he said.

“If any owner is not satisfied with the compensation awarded, a notice of appeal can be filed with the Land Acquisition Appeals Board,” Neo added.

When Giam pressed further on whether the Government would voluntarily disclose acquisition costs, Neo replied that while he was “not totally familiar” with the Land Acquisition Act, he would ensure due process was followed.

Any disclosure required by law would be made, he said.

Questioning heritage value and duplication

Non-Constituency MP Eileen Chong questioned whether preserving or landscaping the Oxley Road site would offer heritage value beyond the Founders’ Memorial, estimated to cost S$335 million.

Neo replied that few locations embody the same “confluence of people, events, and place” as 38 Oxley Road.

Unlike the Founders’ Memorial, built on reclaimed land, Oxley Road offered “authenticity” as the actual site of Singapore’s founding discussions.

“There will not be that same sense of authenticity,” Neo said. “This site is unique, and it behoves us to preserve it.”

Plans for stakeholder engagement and education

Responding to a question from Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC MP Alex Yam on whether public engagement would be conducted in developing interpretive plans, Neo confirmed that structured consultation would take place.

He said the process would involve heritage enthusiasts, educators, and target demographic groups such as youth and seniors to ensure the site supports national education efforts.

Neo emphasised that preserving the site would “augment, not duplicate” the Founders’ Memorial. “It will allow visitors to have a first-hand appreciation of events that occurred there,” he said, stressing that it would focus on national ideals rather than individual personalities.

Balancing privacy, legacy, and public interest

Neo responded to questions from Liang Eng Hwa, PAP MP for Bukit Panjang SMC, on whether the Founders’ Memorial alone could capture the nation’s founding values without preserving Oxley Road.

He noted that while Lee Kuan Yew and his wife Kwa Geok Choo valued their privacy, the property’s historic significance justified consideration for preservation.

“It is our duty to allow future Singaporeans to visit the site and appreciate the gravity of discussions that took place there,” Neo said. He reiterated that any preserved site would exclude all private family spaces and personal items, focusing solely on events of national importance.

When asked how the Government would ensure the preservation decision is not perceived as personality-driven, Neo stressed that the focus remains on the pivotal events that shaped Singapore’s journey from colonial rule to independence.

Acquisition seen as safeguarding collective memory

Responding to Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang, Neo explained that the Government decided to acquire the site because it possessed the “resources and expertise” to safeguard it properly.

“This is the most responsible course of action to ensure that future generations can appreciate the site’s significance,” he said.

“It can form part of our collective memory and shared identity.”

The Government would also assess surrounding infrastructure to manage traffic and accessibility, Neo added in response to Joan Pereira, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC. Any development would be done “in harmony with its surroundings” to avoid disruption to residents.

Neo cites 2018 committee recommendation

Earlier, Neo described the preservation proposal as a step to “safeguard Singapore’s historical legacy” rather than to “memorialise any individual”.

He cited a 2018 ministerial committee report recommending that a future government make a considered decision on the property.

The National Heritage Board, he added, would objectively evaluate any objections before issuing a preservation order.

Lee Hsien Yang says PAP government has ‘trampled’ on Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to demolish 38 Oxley Road

On 3 November 2025,Lee Hsien Yang criticised the PAP government for “trampling on Lee Kuan Yew’s unwavering wish” to demolish his private home at 38 Oxley Road.

He said his father regarded the house as private and opposed all monuments, noting that the Founders’ Memorial already serves as one.

Lee added that gazetting the house as a national monument rejects his demolition request and disrespects his father’s legacy.