Introduction
For nearly 70 years, 38 Oxley Road was more than just an address. To Lee Kuan Yew, it was home, workspace and sanctuary. Examining his personal connection to the house provides insight into the values that guided him.
A Home Chosen for Practical Reasons
Lee and his wife Kwa Geok Choo first stayed in the Oxley Road house shortly after World War II. They chose it not for prestige but for convenience and affordability at the time. The house’s simplicity aligned with their practical approach to life.
Security Fortifications After Independence
During the 1960s, as Singapore navigated political tensions and security threats, the house underwent modifications:
- Bullet-resistant windows
- Reinforced walls
- Security gates
- Guard posts
Despite these additions, the interior layout remained largely unchanged.
Lee Kuan Yew’s Wish for the House
In multiple occasions — interviews, writings, and his will — Lee expressed a firm preference:
He wanted the house demolished.
His reasons:
- He disliked the idea of “a shrine” dedicated to him
- He felt the building was old, damp and unsafe
- He preferred simplicity over monumentality
- He wished to avoid cultivating a personality cult
To him, the value of the house was historical, not personal.
A Place of Memories and Leadership
The house saw:
- Family gatherings and simple meals
- Political discussions
- Study sessions at the famous basement dining table
- Quiet evenings of reflection
It was here that Lee wrote parts of his memoirs and met countless local and foreign dignitaries.