I don't know why he would be a martyr, he didn't died for any cause.

He is remembered as a great war leader, the unifier, the strongman that brought stability and dignity to a nation so humiliated in the centuries prior.

He is also remembered as a terrible administrator.

So while he is not revered or loved as the Singaporeans would revere and love Lee. He sometimes is fondly remembered for his tough character especially when older people converse about international topics.

He is also credited with getting China into the nuclear club and as a member of the UN security council.

He is not exceptional in this regard, many of the dynastic founders of China are like him, great at generalship, horrible at governing which I think goes a long way towards his acceptance in public opinion.