Lee Hsien Yang, the son of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, has stated his intention to seek approval for the removal of his family’s residence located at 38 Oxley Road. This action follows the recent death of his sister Dr. Lee Wei Ling on October 9.
According to Straits Times, on October 15, Lee Hsien Yang announced his plans to replace the current property with a small family-owned house that will be passed down through generations. The request to demolish the historic home, which has strong sentimental value because of its association with Lee Kuan Yew, will represent a major moment in the ongoing controversy.
The Ministry of National Development (MND) has recognized Lee Hsien Yang’s proposals and confirmed that the government will carefully review all property-related aspects at the appropriate time.
The decision on the iconic site will take into account Lee Kuan Yew’s desires and the greater public good.
For a long time, Lee Hsien Yang and his brother, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, have been in a dispute over the property located at 38 Oxley Road. The brothers and sisters had openly disagreed about their father’s will, especially the section about what to do with the Oxley Road house. Despite attempts to address the discrepancies, there are still ongoing disagreements concerning the property’s future.
Lee Hsien Yang’s claim to owning 38 Oxley Road has sparked renewed discussion on the future of the historic residence. He highlighted his responsibility to carry out his father’s wishes, as specified in the will, which required the demolition of the house once Dr. Lee Wei Ling moved out.
The government is still unsure of the outcome of the recent development, as they weigh the implications of Lee Hsien Yang’s application while preserving Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy. As the story of Oxley Road progresses, everyone is watching closely to see the decisions that will determine the future of this important site.
