Feud began when one asked the other to move out so premises can be redeveloped
A feud is brewing in the Teochew community.
Two major associations, the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi, are at loggerheads over the Teochew Building, with the latter attempting to remove the former from the premises so that redevelopment can be carried out.
In a press conference yesterday, the Huay Kuan said it intends to counter a legal case by Ngee Ann Kongsi for it to leave the building in Tank Road, off River Valley Road, which has housed both associations since it was built in 1963.
It says it owns the land, which is being held in trust by Ngee Ann Kongsi.
Huay Kuan president Chua Kee Teang, 70, said Ngee Ann Kongsi served an originating summons in December last year related to the association leaving the building.
“We’ve had a brotherly relationship serving the Teochew community here in Singapore, so this has saddened us,” he said.
The Teochew community is the largest Chinese dialect group here after the Hokkiens. The Huay Kuan was founded in 1929 and focuses on promoting Teochew culture through activities such as community service.
Ngee Ann Kongsi was formed in 1845 as a philanthropic foundation. It established Ngee Ann College in 1963, which later became Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
While the clans have crossed swords in the past, they have co-existed at the Teochew Building for the past 55 years.
In 2017, Ngee Ann Kongsi gave written notice to the Huay Kuan that it had a year to move out ahead of redevelopment of the premises.
Leaders from both organisations met multiple times to negotiate, but talks have now broken down.
When contacted, Ngee Ann Kongsi confirmed it filed the summons but declined to comment while the matter is before the courts. “(We) remain committed to want to resolve this matter amicably with (the Huay Kuan),” it said.
According to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, the Huay Kuan said the decision for redevelopment was a unilateral move by Ngee Ann Kongsi, and it was not consulted, despite being the beneficiary of the land. The Huay Kuan said it owns the land on which the building sits, and the land is held under trust with Ngee Ann Kongsi.
Ngee Ann Kongsi reportedly also wants the Huay Kuan to start paying a “token rental”, which the latter did not agree to, when it moves back in.
Ngee Ann Kongsi plans to spend over $40 million to redevelop the premises to use for education, cultural exhibitions and community activities.
The redevelopment, which will maintain the facade of the building, is expected to take about two to three years. But the plans have been delayed because of the feud.
During the Huay Kuan’s 85th annual general meeting yesterday, Mr Chua called for members to stay united to safeguard the rights and interests of the association. In attendance were prominent members of the Teochew community like BreadTalk chairman George Quek, who is an adviser and lifetime honorary president of the Huay Kuan.
Said Mr Chua: “We cannot let our work of the past 90 years be destroyed, we cannot let our Teochew forefathers down.”
Legal proceedings are expected to cost at least $2 million, and a “rescue fund” has been set up to raise legal fees. By the end of the meeting, over $1.1 million had been raised, with some board members chipping in $200,000 each.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng, who is Teochew, said that it was a pity to hear of the feud, as both associations had a long history together.
“Ultimately it’s the same community of people, so it’s a real pity to be on such bad terms.
“I really hope they can find some way to resolve this amicably.”
“Source:[Teochew associations lock horns over building in Tank Road] © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction”
