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Mr Lee Kuan Yew's wish: Tear down house

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Mr Lee Kuan Yew wanted his house on Oxley Road to be demolished and his children have urged the public to respect his wishes.

Mr Lee, Singapore's first prime minister, died on March 23, aged 91.

His younger children, Dr Lee Wei Ling and Mr Lee Hsien Yang, said yesterday that he had appointed them the executors and trustees of his last will and testament.

In the will, which was dated Dec 17, 2013, Mr Lee had stated that it was his and his late wife Kwa Geok Choo's wish that their house at 38, Oxley Road be demolished immediately after his death or after his daughter, Dr Lee, moves out.

"I would ask each of my children to ensure our wishes with respect to the demolition of the House be carried out," he had stated.


PHOTO: The Lee family

Their father had made this wish public on many occasions, including in his book Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going, said their statement. And he had, with his wife, expressed the same wish to his children in private numerous times.

He had stated in his will: "My view on this has been made public before and remains unchanged."

The late Mr Lee was well aware of calls to somehow preserve his home, his children said in the statement.

"His wish both expressed to us privately, and publicly was unwavering, and was for the house to be torn down upon his passing. He was concerned an order might be issued against his wishes," it said.

And in his will, he added that if his children are unable to demolish the house as a result of any changes in the law, rules or regulations binding them, it was his wish that the house never be opened to anyone other than his children, their families and descendants.

"Our father has given his life in service to the people of Singapore. We hope that the people of Singapore will honour and respect his stated wish in his last will and testament," the statement said.

Dr Lee and Mr Lee also thanked Singaporeans for sharing in their grief on the death of their father.


Related report: 

A mighty man's modest home

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