Hello....
Maybe I could say something a little?
I think, the high salary is to compensate for his high role. He is
a head of state. When you say he only cuts ribbons, it doesn't
matter, he cuts ribbons in his capacity as a head of state.
Therefore, his salary must be commensurate with his position.
Secondly, when considering renumeration package, an important
element must be a perception of 'equity' across the hirearchy and
rank-and-file. When MPs, ministers, PM are already earning a lot,
the salary of the president must rise in accordance with his higher
hirearchy. This principle applies in any organization. You can't
imagine a president earning less than a minister, can u?
So if you were to lower that salary of that president, u have to
revamp the entire pay scale structure of the civil servant
system.
Basically, I think the high renumeration in Singapore civil service
is a plus, not a minus instead. It is one of the main tenets of why
Singapore can be like it is today.
Regarding 'cutting of ribbon' , this phrase implies a lookdown on
his ceremonial roles. Please remember ceremonies and symbolism and
national figurehead, these are important part of the overall nation
building, as important as the work of a minister or a general.
