''I would have preferred that Estrada could be removed in a constitutional way in the Senate,'' said Lee, the 77-year-old founder of the modern city-state of Singapore, whose views are often sought by world leaders.

Philippine President Joseph Estrada was forced from office Jan 20 . The Supreme Court named Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo -- who had been vice president -- as president.

Though credited with turning Singapore into one of Asia's most prosperous nations, Lee has often been criticized for not having much taste for democracy.

Elections are regularly held in Singapore, but critics say there is not much freedom of expression and opposition voices have little chance to be heard.

On Japan

In the interview published Jan 21, Lee also said that the gradual liberalization of Japan's economy provides a good growth model for many developing countries in Asia.

Asian countries, he said, needed a system that could counteract excessive capitalism and, in this regard, they could learn from Japan's economic experience. US and China

Lee Kuan Yew commented on the importance of America's presence in East Asia, saying it will increase in the long term when China becomes an economic power larger than all its neighbors combined.

Lee foresees that in 50 years' time, the Chinese economy will become almost on a par with that of the US.

When that happens, the countries around China will not be able to match the Chinese economy even if they were to act as one.

Lee said that in such a situation, the American presence would be even more important than now because of the need for the US to play the role of balancer between China and its neighbors.

Economic power appears greater than "people power."

While in Manila Jan 24, AFP reports Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos expressed irritation at reported remarks by Singapore's senior minister Lee Kuan Yew, criticising the ouster of disgraced president Joseph Estrada.

"Their system is different from ours. Why (is he) going against world opinion? (Singapore) Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has already indicated his government's recognition of the Arroyo administration, so what's wrong with Lee Kwan Yew?" said Ramos, appointed as a special envoy by Arroyo.