Lee Kuan Yew was not an autocrat and accepted valid criticism, say political rivals

Lee Kuan Yew was not as autocratic as he was made out to be, and was willing to accept criticism if it was valid, his political friends and rivals said at a special sitting of Singapore’s Parliament in tribute to the Southeast Asian country’s founding father. 

“From my dealings with Mr Lee in Parliament, I don't think he was an autocrat who didn't listen. If you have strong reasons and a tight argument and can win him over through debate, he will consider your views. He hated empty talk,” said Low Thia Khiang, the secretary general of the Workers’ Party. 

The Workers’ Party is the opposition party with the most seats in Parliament with nine seats, while the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), of which Lee was a co-founder, holds 79 of the 99 seats. The PAP has dominated Singapore's Parliament since 1959. 

Low said: “I don’t think the PAP one-party rule is the key to Singapore having rapid economic growth while maintaining social cohesion, because many Singaporeans were sacrificed in the process and our society has paid a price. That is why Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was a controversial figure in the hearts of some people.”

Video of Mr Low’s speech in Parliament (from the 40th minute):

Policies should not be based on reason alone, but the human factor and feelings should also be taken into account, Low urged.