is your pay 3 million dollar ? Then you higher than our dear leader !

[madmansg]

Singapore PM to earn almost 2 million dlrs -- after pay cut

Singapore's prime minister is to lose 19 percent of his salary because of the global economic turmoil but will still earn almost two million US dollars a year, a report said Monday.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his cabinet, and other senior administrators will see their pay cut by up to 19 percent next year because of salary components linked to the city-state's economic growth, The Straits Times website reported.

Singapore is in recession and the government said the economy could contract next year.

"In view of the clouded economic outlook and the likelihood that salaries will be lower next year, the government has decided to defer the January 2009 salary adjustment," the report quoted the Public Service Division as saying.

The Division could not be immediately reached for comment.

With the pay cut, Lee will earn 3.04 million dollars (1.99 million US) a year, while ministers will see an 18 percent drop to 1.57 million dollars, The Straits Times said.

Rare public fury erupted in April 2007 when the government announced salary hikes for politicians and senior officials. In response, Lee said the government would pay him the higher salary but he would "donate" the increase "to suitable good causes" for five years.

The White House said at the time that US President George W. Bush got paid 400,000 dollars per year for doing his job.

Singapore officials have said high salaries are necessary to recruit and retain talented individuals, and to prevent corruption.

Teo Chee Hean, the minister in charge of the civil service, said the government last year introduced the mechanism linking a significant proportion of senior civil servants' salaries to economic performance, a system which is working as planned.

"Public sector salaries follow the market up and down," The Straits Times quoted him as saying. "This mechanism allows salaries to respond more rapidly to market conditions."

 

[DIVISION1]

It is not easy to be a leader of a great country.

 

[Devil Within]

It is not easy to be a leader of a great country.

Next better player, please!

 

[silverfox@]

The problem is if you are Prime Minister, would you be happy with just 3 Million with so many people breathing down your necks in online forum, thirsting for your blood.

If give you $400,000 per annum, I think you also don't want to be Prime Minister.

So why not let's ask everyone, if you are Prime Minister, how much you want to be paid per annum?

 

[R4g3]

The problem is if you are Prime Minister, would you be happy with just 3 Million with so many people breathing down your necks in online forum, thirsting for your blood.

If give you $400,000 per annum, I think you also don't want to be Prime Minister.

So why not let's ask everyone, if you are Prime Minister, how much you want to be paid per annum?

but mainly why people are breathing down his neck is because of the 3 million. If they can lower it to near USA, UK or Aus, it would be more acceptable to most people.

Imagine you are the boss, but your CEO increase his salary as much as he like even though he is already 6 times higher then other CEO who are running a much more bigger company. At the same time you dont seem to be benefiting much even though he is telling you that the company is growing. In fact he keep asking you to fork out more money.

When times are bad, he does a pay cut which is still at least like 4-5 times higher then other CEO but you have to come out with even more money.

And all the other high posts are occupied by his family members, relatives, good friends. And he has also created 2 new posts for 2 elder which draws almost the same salary as him.

 

[SIFU]

It is not easy to be a leader of a great country.

your bootlicking skills will serve you well wherever u go.. u speak like someone living in north korea..

all hail the great kim jong il

 

[JinGanKor]

but mainly why people are breathing down his neck is because of the 3 million. If they can lower it to near USA, UK or Aus, it would be more acceptable to most people.

Imagine you are the boss, but your CEO increase his salary as much as he like even though he is already 6 times higher then other CEO who are running a much more bigger company. At the same time you dont seem to be benefiting much even though he is telling you that the company is growing. In fact he keep asking you to fork out more money.

When times are bad, he does a pay cut which is still at least like 4-5 times higher then other CEO but you have to come out with even more money.

And all the other high posts are occupied by his family members, relatives, good friends. And he has also created 2 new posts for 2 elder which draws almost the same salary as him.

people should be the shareholder, ministers should be the CEO and managers hired by the people to run the company.

But seems like it is the other way round, ministers are the shareholder + CEO + managers + directors while the people are the lowest rank who have no say in decision making. The only choice you have is either to continue working or change another company.

 

[HakkaThaileen]

It is not easy to be a leader of a great country.

..Yaa.... Just like Dear Leader Kim Jong Il and his father Great Leader Kim Il-Sung

 

[silverfox@]

but mainly why people are breathing down his neck is because of the 3 million. If they can lower it to near USA, UK or Aus, it would be more acceptable to most people.

The problem is even if give you $400,000 per annum, I think you wouldn't want to be Prime Minister. It's so little.
That is seriously what I feel. If give me $400K a year, I wouldn't take up the mantle to run the country. It's seriously too little to be considered.

Food for thought
1 year $400K, 1 month $33K. A lot of my peers are earning much more than this amount in private companies and they aren't even the CEOs of the company yet. :o

 

[littlefish]

The problem is even if give you $400,000 per annum, I think you wouldn't want to be Prime Minister. It's so little.
That is seriously what I feel. If give me $400K a year, I wouldn't take up the mantle to run the country. It's seriously too little to be considered.

Food for thought
1 year $400K, 1 month $33K. A lot of my peers are earning much more than this amount in private companies and they aren't even the CEOs of the company yet. :o

If they are not willing to serve on a lower pay then don't. I am sure there are plenty of others who are willing. So far, the only things I have heard are that the high pay is needed to attract talented people and prevent corruption. Firstly, I am not sure they are all that talented. Secondly, all this talk about preventing corruption is like saying someone will become a robber because he is poor. They can expound all these theories and there is no way to disprove them. If they are really sincere about serving Singapore, they would have put in place the mechanisms to prevent corruption (e.g. independent judiciary, limited number of terms for PM/President, free media, etc).

The fact that they can come up with the excuse of preventing corruption is pretty lame in my opinion (note that I am not against paying them well, just against paying their current obscene salaries). If that is the case, it points to some inherent problem in their character, that is, they can be easily bought over at the right price. I am not sure I want such people as leaders.

 

[silverfox@]

If they are not willing to serve on a lower pay then don't. I am sure there are plenty of others who are willing. So far, the only things I have heard are that the high pay is needed to attract talented people and prevent corruption. Firstly, I am not sure they are all that talented. Secondly, all this talk about preventing corruption is like saying someone will become a robber because he is poor. They can expound all these theories and there is no way to disprove them. If they are really sincere about serving Singapore, they would have put in place the mechanisms to prevent corruption (e.g. independent judiciary, limited number of terms for PM/President, free media, etc).

I quote $400K because I read somewhere that George Bush gets that a year as President of USA. So after the end of his tenure, what did he get? A collapsing economy, numerous bailouts for many banks, financial institutions. Did he do well or did he do badly? So is $400K of work a year worthwhile for all these, don't forget the amount of hatred that some parties has against him. It's a thankless job.

Corruption. Let's look at whether its easier to find a corrupted policeman in malaysia or in singapore. In singapore, you speed, you want to bribe the policeman, vs you speed you want to bribe the policeman, which place is easier? Why the disparity? Is it because of the severity of the punishment that policeman do not dare to take bribes or is it because he needs more money for his family?

Most countries' policemen are not well paid. It's because of these they resorted to bribes. It's like what you said, it's because a robber is poor, he resorted to robbery. If not would you want to rob a bank if you are rich? If you are rich and yet still want to rob a bank, you are mentally ill, that's all I can say. Girls resort to prostitution because they need money. That is why, no one who is rich will do all these things.

Back to salary for Prime Minister. This is the 3rd time I am saying this.

Would you take up the mantle to be Prime Minister at a pay of $33K a month? No one dare to take up. You said there are many others who are willing to take up the mantle, the problem will be will you dare to take up?
Remember, if you dare to take up the job, how good you run the country, no one pat your back. You screw the country, everyone thirst for your blood. $33K a month, Worth it or not

 

[R4g3]

The problem is even if give you $400,000 per annum, I think you wouldn't want to be Prime Minister. It's so little.
That is seriously what I feel. If give me $400K a year, I wouldn't take up the mantle to run the country. It's seriously too little to be considered.

Food for thought
1 year $400K, 1 month $33K. A lot of my peers are earning much more than this amount in private companies and they aren't even the CEOs of the company yet. :o

it depends what kind of people you want, someone who want to serve the country and people which is what we call public service, or someone who is only interested in money, who are suppose to stay in private sector. In fact people like this are not suppose to be in certain field, just like medical, charity or even religion.

 

[silverfox@]

it depends what kind of people you want, someone who want to serve the country and people which is what we call public service, or someone who is only interested in money, who are suppose to stay in private sector. In fact people like this are not suppose to be in certain field, just like medical, charity or even religion.

The thread started talking about pay of the Prime Minister and how much they earned. So it will be an never-ending debate on who is able and who is not able, or the so-called people who are keen in public service.

There are many people here who have many ideas on how the country should run, saying how lousy the leaders in SG are. So now my question, for the 4th time I am saying is who wants to take up if you are only paid $33K a month to be a Prime Minister.

Don't come and talk about how people who are only interested in money are supposed to stay in private sector.
You want to come tell me all those who are policeman wanted to uphold law and order?
You want to come tell me all those who are doctors only wanted to save lives?
What is your occupation? Do you work with the intent to serve your country or you work because you need to feed your family?

 

[JinGanKor]

I quote $400K because I read somewhere that George Bush gets that a year as President of USA. So after the end of his tenure, what did he get? A collapsing economy, numerous bailouts for many banks, financial institutions. Did he do well or did he do badly? So is $400K of work a year worthwhile for all these, don't forget the amount of hatred that some parties has against him. It's a thankless job.

Corruption. Let's look at whether its easier to find a corrupted policeman in malaysia or in singapore. In singapore, you speed, you want to bribe the policeman, vs you speed you want to bribe the policeman, which place is easier? Why the disparity? Is it because of the severity of the punishment that policeman do not dare to take bribes or is it because he needs more money for his family?

Most countries' policemen are not well paid. It's because of these they resorted to bribes. It's like what you said, it's because a robber is poor, he resorted to robbery. If not would you want to rob a bank if you are rich? If you are rich and yet still want to rob a bank, you are mentally ill, that's all I can say. Girls resort to prostitution because they need money. That is why, no one who is rich will do all these things.

Back to salary for Prime Minister. This is the 3rd time I am saying this.

Would you take up the mantle to be Prime Minister at a pay of $33K a month? No one dare to take up. You said there are many others who are willing to take up the mantle, the problem will be will you dare to take up?
Remember, if you dare to take up the job, how good you run the country, no one pat your back. You screw the country, everyone thirst for your blood. $33K a month, Worth it or not

if 33k a month is too little, i guess 95% of the leaders of the other countries are insane to take up their job, they should come over here for better $$$.

It is so much smaller here in terms of land and population, much easier to control.
Somemore the rules are 1 sided so there is no need to worry about the opposition so they dont have to crack their brain to think of how to fix them up and buy more votes.
There is also no accountability to the people since they only need to account to 1 man. As long as he did not shake his head, no matter how big a bundle you can still hang on to your golden rice bowl, provided your skin is thick enough and conscience doesnt exist in you.
As long as they can serve 2 terms, they can even draw their pension (which is suppose to be for their retirement) at the same time with their salary.

Pension scheme have been taken away from the civil servants and now only high and mighty are enjoying themselves. The older civil servants who are under the pension scheme last time will know how good are the benefits, especially in terms of medical benefits.

Bonuses can be as high as 7-10 months, while other benefits and welfare are not really make known to the public, but i can assure you that since it cant be make known, then it should be something good.

 

[R4g3]

if 33k a month is too little, i guess 95% of the leaders of the other countries are insane to take up their job, they should come over here for better $$$.

It is so much smaller here in terms of land and population, much easier to control.
Somemore the rules are 1 sided so there is no need to worry about the opposition so they dont have to crack their brain to think of how to fix them up and buy more votes.
There is also no accountability to the people since they only need to account to 1 man. As long as he did not shake his head, no matter how big a bundle you can still hang on to your golden rice bowl, provided your skin is thick enough and conscience doesnt exist in you.
As long as they can serve 2 terms, they can even draw their pension (which is suppose to be for their retirement) at the same time with their salary.

Pension scheme have been taken away from the civil servants and now only high and mighty are enjoying themselves. The older civil servants who are under the pension scheme last time will know how good are the benefits, especially in terms of medical benefits.

Bonuses can be as high as 7-10 months, while other benefits and welfare are not really make known to the public, but i can assure you that since it cant be make known, then it should be something good.

no where else is better then here, it is the paradise of politician for those who can sing the same tune with the pappies.

 

[silverfox@]

if 33k a month is too little, i guess 95% of the leaders of the other countries are insane to take up their job, they should come over here for better $$$.

If I agree entirely with what you said then I have to ask you,
do you think you will take up the job to be Prime Minister @ $33K a month?

I guess from your above comments, you already think $33K a month is a lot. So will you or will you not be Prime Minister of Singapore? And also since its working for the people, do you mind taking less at only $25K a month instead of $33K a month

 

[R4g3]

There are many people here who have many ideas on how the country should run, saying how lousy the leaders in SG are. So now my question, for the 4th time I am saying is who wants to take up if you are only paid $33K a month to be a Prime Minister.

I want, but there will never be a fair playing field. I am even willing to donate 1/2 of it to those poor families who are struggling with their monthly expenses and even a meal of Mcdonald is consider luxurious to them.

I believe after donating 1/2 of $33k, with $16.5k a month i am still able to live comfortably, especially there are other welfare and benefits. My family definitely wont starve, no place to stay, no clothes to wear or no school to study.

So if 33k a month is little, how about those struggling with less then 1.5k a month?

 

[_AXL_]

It is not easy to be a leader of a great country.

fallacy: great country.

why great leader cannot take 50% pay cut??? his bills so much ah??? his commitments that heavy ah??? this is the best time to show his sincerity, but he chose not to do it.

no money??? can borrow from his dad what!!! for god's sake, he is the patriot who cried for his country on national tv!!!

 

[JinGanKor]

If I agree entirely with what you said then I have to ask you,
do you think you will take up the job to be Prime Minister @ $33K a month?

I guess from your above comments, you already think $33K a month is a lot. So will you or will you not be Prime Minister of Singapore? And also since its working for the people, do you mind taking less at only $25K a month instead of $33K a month

i won't say 33k a month is alot as i have already made that kind of money 10 years ago. But if the money comes from the people, then it is definitely not little.

The reason why i wont take up as a PM "IF" i can ever be one, is because i dont have the basic qualities of a PM. To me, a good politician should have the heart of giving, a heart to serve and compassion for the people. It has nothing to do with how high or how low is the salary. If a person without the above qualities is attracted just because of the high salary, his decision will be focus on performance and not the welfare of the people.

If i do have the qualities, i wouldnt mind taking up the job, as long as there is enough food on the table.

Btw, Gordon Brown is drawing about S$46k a month, Sarkozy is drawing S$43k, Vladimir Putin at S$10k Angela Merkel at S$39k.

It is not rare to find leaders of other countries drawing S$30+k to S$40+k, and in fact those are already the top earners. It is actually VERY RARE to find a leader making more then $100k a month and the only one that qualified is our PM who is drawing at least $250k a month.

 

[silverfox@]

I want, but there will never be a fair playing field. I am even willing to donate 1/2 of it to those poor families who are struggling with their monthly expenses and even a meal of Mcdonald is consider luxurious to them.

I believe after donating 1/2 of $33k, with $16.5k a month i am still able to live comfortably, especially there are other welfare and benefits. My family definitely wont starve, no place to stay, no clothes to wear or no school to study.

So if 33k a month is little, how about those struggling with less then 1.5k a month?

You want to be Prime Minister. Great.

$16.5K a month like what you suggested.
I want to see anymore takers at $16.5K/mth
What are the things you going to do for the country?
With the recent crisis, what are your ready plans to steer the country back to greater heights?
With the recent inflation, retrenchment, higher costs in living, what are your immediate plans to rectify these situations?
How will you be able to carry out these actions?

On the payroll, its more than just these situations but many more.
Housing, Economy, Retail, Tourism, Defence, Tax, Revenue.

What is your view on the market situation for the coming 6 months to a year. Your forecasts for 2 years down the road? Any plans to further develop the economy to grow?

I haven't even asked you what are your qualifications. It's not important. But how you answer the questions above will show us at a preliminary stage as how qualified one will be to take up the mantle.

Decision A made, benefits People B, but could be at the expense of People C.

Being a leader of a country is not just about donating money to the poor.
There is a very big difference in feeding a person with fish and teaching him how to fish.
Don't talk about those getting less than $1.5K a month. Leaders don't talk like this. If you are going to talk what about those getting less than $1.5K a month, then please reduce your expectation of salary of Prime Minister to $2K and not $16.5K/mth. Your earnings is in perspective to the responsibilities that you are going to hold.