The bungalow, built for a Dutch trader during colonial times, has significant historical value in Singapore as it was the residence of Lee Kuan Yew for decades. It served as the birthplace of his political party and played a pivotal role in transforming Singapore into a wealthy nation.
Lee Kuan Yew expressed his wish for the house to be demolished after his death rather than preserved as a museum. However, the ambiguity in his will has led to a dispute among his three children, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding Singapore's political system.
Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest child, has publicly criticized the government's accountability, stating that reliance on a single leader's benevolence is insufficient. He aims to honor his father's wishes regarding the bungalow but has faced obstacles following the death of his sister, Dr. Lee Wei Ling, who previously occupied the house.
Following the death of Lee Kuan Yew in 2015, his eldest son, Lee Hsien Loong, claimed the instructions regarding the bungalow were unclear. The family's discussions intensified after Dr. Lee's passing in October, leading Yang to seek political asylum in Britain, citing fears of imprisonment linked to the dispute.
Yang accused Hsien Loong of misusing his power in this conflict and described a pattern of governmental persecution against his family. The Singaporean government has dismissed these allegations, asserting that Yang is pursuing a personal vendetta against his brother.
The ruling People’s Action Party has governed Singapore for nearly 70 years and continues to celebrate Lee Kuan Yew's legacy. Analysts suggest the ongoing family feud exemplifies broader issues within Singapore's governance.
In the context of the family's history, Lee Kuan Yew utilized the bungalow for significant political activities, and the family dynamic has undergone considerable changes post his passing. The government is currently reconsidering the fate of the bungalow, with public opinion largely favoring its demolition.
Past interactions among the siblings have been marked by conflict, particularly surrounding the final will and the decision-making processes regarding the house. Yang's family has since expressed distrust towards Hsien Loong's leadership, accusing him of leveraging their father's legacy for political gain.
As tensions escalated, Yang's wife faced professional sanctions, and both have since left Singapore amid ongoing governmental scrutiny. The bungalow at 38 Oxley Road remains unresolved in its future, with indications of deterioration, mirroring the complexities of the family's legacy.