THOUGH Mr Lee Kuan Yew's house at 38, Oxley Road has some emotional significance for some Singaporeans, as it was the residence of our founding father, it has less significance compared with the many heritage buildings we have lost over the decades due to redevelopment ("Mr Lee's house a chance for due process"; yesterday).
We have lost the National Theatre in Fort Canning and the National Library building in Stamford Road, just to name a few.
These public buildings had more significance to Singaporeans, as they were patronised by them, and held many memories for many people.
However, 38, Oxley Road is a private residence.
Though the People's Action Party had its beginnings there, the house is not a building of national heritage that needs to be preserved, as the public never had any access to it and would not have formed any memories there.
Mr Lee did not want a personality cult to be built around him, neither did he want his private spaces exhibited.
He stated in his will that the house was to be demolished if his daughter Lee Wei Ling was no longer living there. We should not go against his will.
Joshua Selvakumar
