My contention is that ministers are paid fairly.
Many ministers are actually earning much more in the private
sector before they became ministers, which for many of them, meant
a drastic pay cut. I would like to cite Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan as an example. He was a top eye surgeon before he
entered politics, and for a period of time, was also the director
of SGH. When he went into politics, however, he had to draw a much
lower salary instead.
In addition, I would like to contend that ministers are the
life-blood of our nation. They make crucial decisions that may very
well decide the fate of our nation. As a result, it is imperative
that we recruit not just the smartest, but also, people who have
proven themselves of being extremely capable in leading an
organization. Thus, I am astounded by the fact that there are
actually criticisms regarding ministerial salaries and so
forth.
With regards to the numerous digressions about the
ineffectiveness of PAP as the government. Many have brought up the
point about high inflation rates of Singapore. I would like to
point out that Singapore has a rapidly increasing aggregate demand,
which is a good thing, in fact, as it drives economic growth.
However, we do have very limited and rapidly diminishing resources
in the field of labour, brought about by declining birth rates, and
this is the very reason why we have a high inflation rate.
I would like to reiterate that the government does not cause
inflation.
They have, however, tried to stem it by importing foreigners
into Singapore. This is an excellent way to reduce inflation and
still achieve economic growth. However, there are numerous social
problems with such an influx that the government has yet to solve.
Hence, this further heightens the need to recruit better and more
capable leaders into the ranks of the government, necessitating the
high ministerial salaries.
then dun be a minister lor.
