"The use of libel ... can be a tremendous hindrance to freedom of expression," Soros said in response to questions at a seminar. "Obviously, Singapore doesn't qualify as an open society."

The US State Department and Amnesty International have previously accused Singapore's top politicians of using defamation lawsuits to remove their opponents from public life.

Gillian Ong, a spokeswoman for Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry, said officials were discussing whether to respond to Soros' comments. Singapore's leaders have said they sue because it is the most effective way to protect their reputations.

"If I had to select one particular spot where Singapore could take a step forward, it would be in not using that method to suppress freedom of expression," Soros said. "There is now a desire for greater openness and I think that there is enlightened leadership, and I hope that they will take that next step."

Opposition leader Joshua B. Jeyaretnam lost his parliamentary seat in 2001 when he was bankrupted after being unable to pay damages that resulted from lawsuits filed against him by members of the ruling party in 1997.

Under Singapore law, the civil rights activist's status as bankrupt prevents him from running for political office.

Jeyaretnam's creditors include the founding father of modern Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, the city-state's then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Jeyaretnam was sued for revealing at an election rally that his colleague had filed a criminal complaint accusing the ruling party leaders of defamation.

At least two other opposition leaders have been sued for libel by the ruling party, including Tang Liang Hong of the Worker's Party and Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party.


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