SPH prostitute whorehouse is now being asked to turn lead to gold. That article is complete rubbish.
1. The speaker draws an allowance as it is not a full time role. This is the Westminster role that countries with that model follows. Some take on a day job and others live on the allowance.
2. There are support staff and including assistance for the speaker so he does not have to do much except know the rules of the Parliament to and to facilitate parliamentary debate.
3. It is not an executive role and it is not even an administrative role either. He or she has no business dealing with the government or even with the Junior person in government about any matter including cleaning of drains. No body gives a fuck what he thinks as along as he facilitates debates in parliament and follow the rules.
4. The speaker ranks as an equal in protocol with the CJ and covers for the President of Singapore when the President is away or on leave. Its more ceremonial. Its also to give some level of power so that MPs show their respect.
5. The only reason TCJ was given the role is that the salary is $550k and will buffer him until he finds a day job. He can continue as speaker while fully employed elsewhere. I am sure he has financial commitments and mortgages to look after which would have been take when he joined the cabinet.
6. It a political dead-end job and given to someone who is not expected to join government, not suitable for the political executive or as a retirement role.
In essence, nobody will miss a heartbeat if he does not turn up for work. He has no input whatsoever in policy, in the business of government and everything in the public sector except in Parliament and in the ceremonial role when the covers the President.
In simple terms he left the cabinet or kicked out whichever way you want to take it. It certainly is not promotion or even a lateral posting. The drop in status, power and influence is immense. A close comparison is looking after the smooth functioning of the Gym at the National Stadium after being dropped from the National Football team as player and Captain for over 15 years.