Singapore’s first family is locked in a bitter battle. Reason, a house
The family of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, is embroiled in a dispute over the demolition of his home, as requested in his will. His youngest son, Lee Hsien Yang, supports demolition, while his older brother, Lee Hsien Loong, remains ...
By ET Online |
38 Oxley Road (Source: Wikipdia)
The family of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, is locked in a bigger battle. The reason - a house.
The dispute, over the fate of Lee Kuan Yew’s house, has erupted between his children. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding father, wanted his house demolished after his death. However, the wording in his will created ambiguity, leading to a disagreement among his three children.
Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest child, supports demolition, echoing his father’s wishes. He recently stated in a New York Times interview, “The idea that one good man at the center can control this, and you just rely on his benevolence to ensure that everything is right, doesn’t work.” He has sought political asylum in Britain, claiming persecution by the Singaporean government due to the disagreement.
Lee Wei Ling (second from right) pictured with her father, Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in a photo her brother Lee Hsien Loong shared on Instagram. Photo: Instagram/LeeHsienLoong
Singapore's government, however, rejected the claims, saying that Yang is free to return home while accusing him of engaging "an extravagant personal vendetta" against his brother, Lee Hsien Loong.
On the other hand Loong, the eldest son and former prime minister, previously argued that his father's instructions were unclear. He has recused himself from the matter. The Singaporean government denies Yang’s persecution claims, stating he is free to return.
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The house at 38 Oxley Road is where Lee Kuan Yew lived for decades, founded his political party, and essentially shaped modern Singapore. The government has formed a committee to determine the house’s fate, acknowledging its historical significance. Public opinion leans toward demolition.
The family dispute began after Lee Kuan Yew’s death in 2015. Yang purchased the house from Loong, but the government’s subsequent involvement sparked further conflict. Yang and his wife left Singapore in 2022 following a police inquiry and accusations of lying under oath related to the will. Yang has since joined an opposition political party.
The future of 38 Oxley Road remains uncertain. The disagreement highlights the ongoing debate about Singapore’s political future and the legacy of its founder.
