Preserving 38 Oxley Road not about memorialising any single Singapore leader: David Neo

Key Concepts

• Gazetting as a National Monument: The legal process of designating a site as a national monument, prohibiting redevelopment for private use and ensuring its preservation.
• Founders Memorial: A planned memorial at Bay East, Singapore, intended to commemorate the nation's founding leaders.
• Authenticity of Place: The unique historical and emotional resonance derived from a site where significant events actually occurred, as opposed to a recreated space.
• Public Interest vs. Personal Wishes: The government's responsibility to balance the private desires of individuals with the broader needs and interests of the public.
• Interpretive Structures: New additions or modifications to historical sites designed to enhance public understanding and experience of the historical context.

Preservation of 38 Oxley Road: A National Monument

Rationale for Preservation

Acting Culture, Community, and Youth Minister David Neo emphasized that the plans to preserve 38 Oxley Road are not about memorializing a single leader but about safeguarding a crucial piece of Singapore's history for future generations. The government intends to gazette the site as a national monument, which will prevent its redevelopment for residential, commercial, or other private uses. This measure aims to prevent private entities from acquiring the property solely for its association with founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yu.

Historical Significance

The walls of 38 Oxley Road bore witness to significant moments in Singapore's history during the 1950s, including gatherings of founding leaders who charted the nation's path to independence. Preserving the site ensures that these historically significant events and the struggles associated with them are not lost to time.

Future Use and Public Access

If preserved and acquired, 38 Oxley Road is envisioned to become a public space, potentially a heritage park. The government is keeping an open mind regarding the treatment of the buildings and structures on the site, including modifications or adaptations with new interpretive structures to enhance public experience. This approach is informed by international examples where historical sites have been conserved and transformed into spaces for education and appreciation.

Government's Approach and Timeline

The government aims to conclude its plans for the site within its current five-year term. Minister Neo stated that this approach is the most responsible one, building upon the 2018 ministerial committee report which suggested that a future government would need to make an informed decision. The current government views this as the opportune moment to make deliberate decisions in the best interests of Singapore and its citizens, both now and for the future.

Balancing Public Interest and Personal Wishes

Respecting Lee Kuan Yu's Wishes

While acknowledging and respecting the personal wishes of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yu regarding his home, the government also has a duty to balance these with public interest. Concerns were raised by MPs regarding Lee Kuan Yu's original wish for the house to be demolished and his espoused values against personal monuments.

Focus on Nationally Significant Events

Minister Neo reassured Parliament that the purpose of preserving the site is not to memorialize a single leader but to allow Singaporeans to learn from their past. The intention is not to showcase Mr. Lee's personal effects or his family's private living spaces. Instead, the focus will be on the nationally significant events that transpired at the site. Spaces and furnishings without historical significance, such as bedrooms, may be reconfigured or removed to respect Mr. Lee's wish for privacy. Concrete plans will be determined after a preservation order is made and access is granted.

Addressing Concerns and Comparisons

Founders Memorial vs. 38 Oxley Road

Questions were raised about the necessity of a national monument at 38 Oxley Road when a Founders Memorial is already planned for Bay East. Minister Neo argued that 38 Oxley Road offers a unique sense of authenticity due to its direct connection to the actual spaces where people, events, and struggles for independence took place. In contrast, the Founders Memorial is being recreated on reclaimed land and lacks this direct spatial and historical link.

Impact on Nearby Residents

Concerns were also raised regarding the potential impact of a national monument on nearby residents, specifically concerning traffic and car park accessibility. The government will conduct a holistic feasibility study, involving agencies like the Land Transport Authority, to assess traffic and parking impacts, as well as public access. Resident feedback will be actively sought and considered throughout this process.

International Precedents

Saba Mati Ashram, India

The Saba Mati Ashram in India, established in 1917, served as the starting point for a nonviolent independence movement and was the home of Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhi's house remains largely untouched with some personal belongings, new buildings, including a museum, have been added to the site.

Independence National Historical Park, USA

The Independence National Historical Park in the US, drawing around 3 million visitors annually, is considered the birthplace of American democracy. It was the site where the Declaration of Independence and the first constitution came into being. The park comprises numerous landmark buildings, some centuries old, which have undergone refurbishment.

Conclusion

The government's intention to gazette 38 Oxley Road as a national monument is a deliberate step to preserve a site of profound historical significance for Singapore. The decision is driven by the need to safeguard national heritage, allow future generations to learn from the nation's past struggles, and ensure the enduring spirit of Singapore. While respecting the personal wishes of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yu, the government is prioritizing the public interest and the unique authenticity of the site, distinguishing it from other commemorative projects. Comprehensive studies and resident engagement will be undertaken to address practical concerns and ensure a solution that unites the nation.