Kuan Yew's children seek Singaporeans to honour his wish on Oxley home
Bernama
April 12, 2015 23:16 MYT
April 12, 2015 23:16 MYT
The children said their father was well aware of calls to somehow preserve his home. - File Photo
Two children of Singapore's first prime minister, the late Lee Kuan Yew have issued a statement via their law firm, reiterating their father’s wishes regarding his house at Oxley Road.
Lee Hsien Yang and Lee Wei Ling, in a statement issued on Sunday, said their father had wished, as stated in his will, to demolish the house immediately after his death, or if Wei Ling continued to live in that house, then immediately after she vacated the house.
Thanking Singaporeans for sharing their grief over their father's passing on March 23, this year, Hsien Yang and Wei Ling said they were deeply touched by the huge outpouring of affection and respect for their father.
According to them, their late father appointed the two of them as the executors and trustees of his last will and testament dated Dec 17, 2013 (Lee Kuan Yew Will).
In his will, Kuan Yew stated: “I further declare that it is my wish, and the wish of my late wife, Kwa Geok Choo that our house at 38, Oxley Road, Singapore 238629 be demolished immediately after my death or if my daughter, Wei Ling, would prefer to continue living in the original house, immediately after she moves out of the house.
"I would ask each of my children to ensure our wishes with respect to the demolition of the house be carried out.”
Hsien Yang and Wei Ling said their father had made public this wish on many occasions, including in his book, Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going.
The children said their father was well aware of calls to somehow preserve his home.
He therefore, added in his Lee Kuan Yew Will that “If our children are unable to demolish the house as a result of any changes in the law, rules or regulations binding them, it is my wish that the house never be opened to others, except my children, their families and descendants.”
"Our father has given his life in service to the people of Singapore. We hope the people of Singapore will honour and respect his stated wish in his last will and testament," said the children.