Did the article say he said he was not paid during suspension? If you have read thus, then you need to take lessons in English comprehension. It says: "Given his suspension since late July 2012, Tey said he is "not in a position" to engage an overseas expert."
S$50,000 may look like small potatoes, IF you do not take into account liabilities - mortgage payments, car loan, child's education, upcoming legal bill from Peter Low, etc. For sure suspension means your job is not as secure as before. So, better save your reserves for a rainy day and draw upon it only if absolutely necessary. In this case, this S$50,000 is definitely money down the drain even if the accused wins his case, because we do not have a Cost in Criminal Proceedings Act like New Zealand or other developed countries. Therefore, it is reported in Channel News Asia as "he said he is not in a position to engage an overseas expert". Which then becomes distorted by PAP IBs as he said he was not being paid while he was under suspension.