I had an interesting conversation with an American friend of my colleague some time ago. We were discussing the Singapore government and I mentioned that there is some feeling among certain sections of the populace, contrary to what our government professes, that the government is corrupt as evidenced by the insane wages they have.
The American friend made the argument that the Singapore government could not possibly be corrupt insofar as corrupt is being defined as “the exchange of favors and influence for illegal payments” and high wages while distasteful are not illegal.
While one cannot underestimate the power of an avaricious nature in pursuing personal aggrandizement, his argument was anchored on the premise that since the government was already ridiculously rich from their wages, when they are in office, there was no need for them to indulge in (?illegal) actions to accumulate personal wealth. In the long run, Singapore actually might save money because the government officials are then in a position to choose the best projects at the best prices and not those which provide kickbacks in any form (of course, this assumes that government officials understand the market and are smart enough to assess then choose the best tenders).
He continued that ultimately the Singapore government’s actions can be reduced to this – to continually maintain power by appealing to the people (and whatever other possibly unfair political and legal means) with the ultimate aim to be the ONE to serve the population of Singapore.
What would be the flip-side?
The Singapore government does whatever it can to gain money and influence to maintain power and while in power only serves the interest of those supporters that had lend their influence and contributed to the personal coffers.
The conceit of this argument is the faith in the nobility of the ruling class and that the worst thirsts and hungers of human nature can be quenched and satisfied.
Basically, like my NS friend might say, the government ‘can fuck us twice’. Get high wages and still be corrupt.
whitedusk | 20-Oct-08 at 10:50 am | Permalink
If I remember correctly I read somewhere that the salary of public servants in Singapore are the highest in the world. This is to ensure that they are fed so well that they will not be tempted to “eat” money.
Of course, whether they deserve their remuneration package or not is another issue. Like any other organization in this world, HR and recruitment policies can be rubbish. I’m sure you have some idiots holding high positions in your office as well.
Leaders in China are some of the poorest remunerated in the world. Something for your reading pleasure… http://www.chinareview.info/issue2/pages/govern.htm
So you prefer rich ministers or poor ministers? I prefer them to be rich, really. So that I won’t have melamine in my milk~
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 20 Oct 2008 | 20-Oct-08 at 11:44 am | Permalink
[...] Discourse – Ian On The Red Dot: The Singapore Government Is Not Corrupt – Chee Wai’s Random Musings: Ridiculous Rules! – Diary of A Singaporean Mind: SM Goh : [...]
hubris | 20-Oct-08 at 12:18 pm | Permalink
Your American colleague is probably a Republican.
Rachel Chung | 20-Oct-08 at 2:46 pm | Permalink
How about the spouses who ride on the ministerial name for their businesses? Is that considered corruption?
Alan Wong | 20-Oct-08 at 9:48 pm | Permalink
“The Singapore government does whatever it can to gain money and influence to maintain power and while in power only serves the interest of those supporters that had lend their influence and contributed to the personal coffers”
This describes exactly how I feel about our current Govt lead by PAP leaders who always professes that “Everything is above board”.
But one thing they never tell you is that what they actually pay themselves include a significant portion for being “incorrupt” ie they are “paid” for losing the opportunity to be corrupt which rightfully should entail no compensation. It’s should be part of the public service that is expected from them. After all they also enjoy a lot of other benefits, both tangible and intangible.
So you decide for yourself whether our PAP leaders are corrupt or not for paying themselves for something that should not be compensated!
iantimothy | 21-Oct-08 at 12:41 am | Permalink
@Rachel – hmmm… I think that’s more specifically considered nepotism. However, it really depends. For example, if you only get a job position or a tender by telling everyone you are some big shot’s wife and you can pull strings and all that shit, then that’s probably corruption. But you can’t stop people from wanting to curry favor with you. Of course, you can don’t accept. But even if you do accept the favor people offer to you because of your position, I don’t think that’s corruption. To be honest, I actually think our leaders and their family members try to be as careful as possible in such situations. Social standing can be a great advantage – I think the line between maximizing that advantage and abusing it is very very thin. Frankly, I won’t know how to draw the line by giving hypothetical scenarios.
@Alan Wong – I see your point. I rather them be upfront about how much they are getting (although it may be distasteful) then do shit behind the people’s back.
I really do not think there is enough noble people around who will sacrifice for the country by serving with little compensation at least for now because public service has become a career and not a calling.
@hubris – I got to ask him that when I see him.
@whitedusk – rich or poor, I just want them to be honest and competent. How things in HK at this period of time with the economic crisis? You doing well?
Kaffein | 21-Oct-08 at 10:24 am | Permalink
If I get my brother/kaki to audit my company accounts and also pass a law that he can do so…
Am I corrupt?
Perspective.
Kaffein
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 43 | 25-Oct-08 at 11:45 am | Permalink
[...] Discourse – Ian On The Red Dot: The Singapore Government Is Not Corrupt – Chee Wai’s Random Musings: Ridiculous Rules! – Diary of A Singaporean Mind: SM Goh : [...]
Daniel Ling | 04-Nov-08 at 10:18 am | Permalink
Glad to find more interesting reads.
I feel tat they should be paid well enough. But when times are bad or when there’s under performing, likewise there should be pay cuts.
But seems like another raise is on the way, but may not be tat high. But still a raise non the less.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_294341.html
Notice that the Bonus is peck to Growth of GDP, current forecast is 3% but if we move back a bit, let’s recall the Reason for GST 7%? it was due to a low forecast of economy which later turn out to be wrong (The Forecast) which resulted in Budget Surplus and subsequent pad on backs and pay raise. =D
Might happen again? Maybe
To 1. whitedusk
I think melamine came to SG and was detected late although they are high paid. Dun ve the links to prove it, sorry.
But not entirely our controls fault as China announce it only after Olympics. BUT our controls failed to control and detect. So yes, our control is still at fault.
I prefer Low Pay and melamine in milk rather than High Pay and melamine in milk. =(
whitedusk | 18-Mar-09 at 5:02 pm | Permalink
To Daniel: Sorry I haven’t been reading up on the news in Singapore but I heard that they have stopped the pay raise for government officials?
Actually most of the work got caught up with the melamine case. After the revelation, I think the AVA in Singapore found it in more products faster than most countries in and around the region.
Government make mistakes~ The Chinese, the Americans, the Singaporeans… we are all embroiled in this financial crisis.
Together now~ “We are the world~~~~”
iantimothy | 18-Mar-09 at 8:45 pm | Permalink
@whitedusk – you just revealed how old you are with that song.