THE opposition should think carefully and get a reality check if
it plans to use the issue of ministers' salaries to score an
election point.
The arguments can go like this: that if one wants to serve the
nation, one must be prepared to sacrifice and forgo one's income
worth.
If one were to use this line of logic, does it mean we should
also not compensate our national servicemen during their in-camp
training? After all, they should be prepared to sacrifice for their
country and it's only income and not their lives they are
sacrificing. This would save lots of taxpayer money.
If this suggestion sounds absurd, then I guess I have made my
point. We need to recognise that income is not only meant to deter
corruption but also to communicate appreciation and the value of
the person in the employer's eyes (the employer in this case being
the nation).
Most of us would feel sore and unappreciated if we realise we
are not paid market value. We would leave the company. This is
human nature. I would expect that someone looking to lead the
nation would understand this basic management principle?
Gideon Lee
