A Ministerial Committee was formed to evaluate:
- Whether full preservation was structurally feasible
- Whether partial preservation (e.g., basement only) made sense
- Whether demolition and redevelopment was more appropriate
- How to balance heritage and privacy
The Committee concluded that the site had significant historical value, particularly as a venue for key political meetings.
Proposed Gazetting as a National Monument (2025)
In November 2025, Singapore’s authorities announced an intention to gazette the site as a national monument. The proposal sparked new objections from parts of the Lee family, who argued that it contradicted Lee’s stated wishes.
A Debate With No Easy Answer
The controversy touches on broader themes:
- What matters more — private will or public heritage?
- How should societies remember their leaders?
- Can emotional and historical considerations coexist?
There is no simple resolution, and public discussions are likely to continue.
The debate over 38 Oxley Road reflects a deeper conversation about legacy, memory and national identity. The outcome, whatever it may be, will shape how future generations understand Singapore’s history.