INTERIOR OF HOUSE WILL NOT BE DUPLICATED
Mr Neo said the government's considerations for the move were “for the entire site, and not for the buildings or structures within it”.
Preserving the site “does not obligate the government to keep the buildings and structures within the site in their current condition”, he added, reiterating that the relevant authorities have not had the chance to enter the site to assess the conditions of the buildings and structures.
“That is a key reason why we are opting to preserve the site rather than just specific buildings or structures.”
If access to the site is obtained, the government will undertake a detailed study of the buildings and structures, taking into account factors like existing conditions and weighing the potential benefits of retaining them against the cost.
All options will be considered, including those outlined in a 2018 ministerial committee report, such as partial or full demolition of the buildings and structures, said the acting minister.
Mr Neo stressed that regardless of the option taken, the government will respect the wishes of Mr Lee and his wife, Mdm Kwa Geok Choo, and remove all traces of their private living spaces from the interior of the house.
Under no circumstances will the interior of the house as Mr Lee and Mdm Kwa knew, be displayed, recorded, remodelled or duplicated elsewhere, he added.
If the site is preserved and acquired, it will be converted into a public space, with one possible outcome being a heritage park, said the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Land Authority earlier.
This means the site cannot be redeveloped for residential, commercial or other private uses.
Mr Neo noted that many other countries have preserved and converted sites associated with their nation’s independence as spaces for public education and appreciation.
He cited the Gandhi Ashram in India and the Independence National Historical Park in the US. At these sites, changes were made, including modifying or adapting the original buildings with new interpretive structures to better enable the public to experience the site as a park or heritage space, said Mr Neo.
“That’s why we are keeping an open mind as to the treatment of the buildings and the structures within the site,” he told the House.
“We will keep all options open, and strive for a solution that will unite us as a country, rather than allow this to become a point of contention or division in our society.”
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