In a letter to the Straits Times Forum, SMU Associate Professor of Theatre/Performance Studies (Practice) Margaret Chan wrote “What constitutes Singapore heritage is decided by our National Heritage Board (NHB).” She added “the decision to gazette a monument is the purview of government and is not a personal decision of individuals. This means, an owner of a property may not resist the gazetting of the site if NHB, guided by the minister of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, deems the site to be part of Singapore's heritage. This decision considers heritage as belonging to all Singaporeans, extending beyond the lifetimes of individuals who have interest in the property.” With regard to the house of the late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, she said, “I am sure many Singaporeans, including me, will find themselves emotionally pained if the wishes of our founding father as set out in his will are disregarded, however, at the same time, we must respect the decision of NHB with regard to the preservation of Singapore heritage.”