Forum: Investing in capable leadership an investment in survival and continued prosperity
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As a senior Singaporean, I understand why some may feel uncomfortable about ministers receiving high salaries, especially when many households are facing rising living costs (Ministerial pay to rise by up to 9% in first adjustment since 2011, Sept 8).
However, we should look beyond the dollar amount. Singapore is a small country with no natural resources. Our greatest resource is our people. We therefore need capable, honest and committed leaders to guide Singapore through an increasingly uncertain and competitive world.
Running Singapore is a tremendous responsibility. Our leaders’ decisions affect our economy, national security, jobs, social stability and the future of our children and grandchildren.
We may feel that paying ministers millions of dollars is expensive, but the cost of having inadequate leadership could be far greater.
Competitive remuneration can help attract and retain talented people from the public and private sectors who are willing to take on the demanding responsibility of leading the country.
That said, high salaries must come with high expectations. Political leaders should be held to the highest standards of integrity, accountability, transparency and performance.
Ultimately, Singaporeans should judge our leaders not by how much they are paid, but by the quality of their leadership and the results they deliver.
For a small country like Singapore, investing in capable leadership is not merely an expense; it is an investment in our survival, stability and continued prosperity.
Ng Choon Lai