Ministerial statement: David Neo on the government’s intention to preserve the site of 38 Oxley Road

Preserving the site of 38 Oxley Road is not about memorialising any single leader but about safeguarding the grounds where future generations can stand to “understand where we came from, who we are and what we overcame together”, said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo. In a ministerial statement in parliament on Thursday (Nov 6), he said this is the most responsible approach. If the site is to be eventually preserved and acquired, it should be developed into a public space, such as a heritage park, so that Singaporeans can have access to it and it can be a part of Singapore’s shared memories. He said it does not mean the buildings will be kept in exactly the same form - all traces of Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew and his family's private spaces will be removed. Explaining the next steps following the notice of intention, Mr Neo said the owner and occupier will be given a “reasonable period” to raise any objection. If the site is indeed to be preserved and acquired, the government intends to conclude its plans on the exact use and configuration well within this term.