Singapore Gazettes 38 Oxley Road as National Monument

On December 12, 2023, the government of Singapore officially gazetted the site at 38 Oxley Road as the nation’s 77th national monument. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Heritage Board (NHB) in a joint press release. The decision, issued by Acting Minister David Neo, came after a thorough review process under the Preservation of Monuments Act 2009.

The preservation order is set to take effect immediately, following a written objection from Lee Hsien Yang, the son of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. In his letter submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office and NHB on November 17, Lee Hsien Yang expressed concerns regarding the preservation, citing his father’s explicit desire for the building to be demolished. Despite this objection, the authorities maintained that the site’s historical and national significance warranted its protection.

Historic Significance of 38 Oxley Road

According to the MCCY and NHB, the objection from Lee Hsien Yang did not challenge the site’s value as a national monument. The assessment process, which included a review by the Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board, concluded that the site holds substantial historical importance. The board noted that while Lee Kuan Yew preferred the building be demolished, he was open to alternatives that would ensure the site could be refurbished and maintained.

“It was clearly documented in the 2018 Report of the Ministerial Committee on 38 Oxley Road that while Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s personal preference was for the building to be demolished, he was prepared to accept options other than demolition,” MCCY and NHB stated.

This site has been pivotal in Singapore’s history, serving as the backdrop for significant discussions and decisions that influenced the nation’s journey to independence. It was here that founding leaders convened to strategize, leading to the establishment of Singapore’s first fully independent government following the 1959 Legislative Assembly elections.

Future Plans for the Site

The gazetting of 38 Oxley Road means that the government will acquire the site, ensuring it cannot be redeveloped for residential, commercial, or other private uses. The MCCY and NHB stated that after the acquisition, the condition of the buildings will be assessed, and a detailed study will be conducted to determine the next steps.

While the preservation decision respects the historical context of the site, it does not mandate that the structures remain unchanged. Minister Neo has previously indicated in parliament that appropriate treatments for the site will be examined once access is granted. Importantly, the government has committed to safeguarding the privacy of Lee Kuan Yew’s family by removing private living spaces from the interior.

The authorities expressed that preserving this site serves a broader public interest, allowing current and future generations to reflect on key events that have shaped Singapore’s national identity. As stated by the MCCY and NHB, “the decision to preserve the site was made in the public interest and goes beyond the personal preferences of any individual.”

In conclusion, the gazetting of 38 Oxley Road marks a significant moment in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to recognize and honor its rich historical tapestry. The site will not only serve as a monument of remembrance but also as a potential public space, with plans for a heritage park under consideration.