I SHARE deputy political editor Fiona Chan's sentiment about the significance of 38, Oxley Road to Singapore's history and heritage ("Straddling fine line between public and private wishes"; Tuesday).
However, unlike other private properties that may have been gazetted for conservation in the name of national interest, the owners of this property, the late Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, have clearly stated their desire for it to be demolished upon vacancy.
The least we can do is to respect the wishes of our forefathers, least of all, a couple who has contributed immensely to the development of our lives and our beloved country.
We are a flexible and agile people who can imbibe historical values from various sources, even though, admittedly, an experience of physical settings where history was made and shaped will always make learning more intimate.
Singaporeans should respond to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call for us to focus on shaping a meaningful and inspiring Founders' Memorial, as well as ensure that this country always shines brightest in this corner of the world, if not the whole world, for posterity ("A Founders' Memorial to stand the test of time"; Tuesday).
The memorial may sit on the site of the former Lee family home once it is demolished - with its basement left intact, if possible - or on Fort Canning Hill, or it could take over the premises of the Arts House (Old Parliament House).
Without doubt, the invaluable contributions of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team to Singapore has found new resonance among Singaporeans, including the younger generation, over the past few weeks.
When the time is ripe, the state should discuss with PM Lee and his family how best to preserve the site at 38, Oxley Road for heritage, cultural and educational purposes, without going against our founding leader's will.
Toh Cheng Seong
However, unlike other private properties that may have been gazetted for conservation in the name of national interest, the owners of this property, the late Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, have clearly stated their desire for it to be demolished upon vacancy.
The least we can do is to respect the wishes of our forefathers, least of all, a couple who has contributed immensely to the development of our lives and our beloved country.
We are a flexible and agile people who can imbibe historical values from various sources, even though, admittedly, an experience of physical settings where history was made and shaped will always make learning more intimate.
Singaporeans should respond to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call for us to focus on shaping a meaningful and inspiring Founders' Memorial, as well as ensure that this country always shines brightest in this corner of the world, if not the whole world, for posterity ("A Founders' Memorial to stand the test of time"; Tuesday).
The memorial may sit on the site of the former Lee family home once it is demolished - with its basement left intact, if possible - or on Fort Canning Hill, or it could take over the premises of the Arts House (Old Parliament House).
Without doubt, the invaluable contributions of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team to Singapore has found new resonance among Singaporeans, including the younger generation, over the past few weeks.
When the time is ripe, the state should discuss with PM Lee and his family how best to preserve the site at 38, Oxley Road for heritage, cultural and educational purposes, without going against our founding leader's will.
Toh Cheng Seong
