 The Government has denied these claims , citing the lack of substantiating evidence . Noting that many opposition politicians routinely criticize government leaders but are not sued because they have not uttered slanderous falsehoods , it insists that free speech and the right to disagree are upheld , the effects of which are characteristic of a representative democracy . The Government has also pointed out that Singapore 's legal system has won excellent ratings in international surveys . Lee Kuan Yew has also defended the system , asserting that doing things the Government 's way has allowed Singapore to be prosperous , orderly and corruption @-@ free whilst gaining international respect ; and that the " threat of defamation proceedings may make opposition politicians weigh their words more carefully than they do elsewhere " . 
