In an interview with Chinese TV personality Yang Lan on Beijing Satellite TV, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong touched on regional trade agreements, China's proposed Maritime Silk Road, and Singapore's take on the issue of clean government.
Q: In China, particularly at the government level, the topic of Singapore's clean government is often discussed. But very often people attribute its success to high salaries for office-holders. Do you think it is that simple?
A: I think the topic of high salaries can cause a sharp reaction. In principle, we are not talking about high salaries, what we want are realistic and correct salaries. We want talent, we want morally upright people, and we want the right people for the right jobs. The most important job must be done by the most capable, the most trustworthy person. If we want the services of such capable and trustworthy people, then we must treat them fairly and equally. We must have a practical system - a realistic salary.
At the same time our requirements are strict - your performance must be good. Legally, you absolutely cannot do anything you are not supposed to do, and if that happens, you will be punished under the law, and the punishment will be severe. So this is not just a question of salaries, it is also a matter of the system, an issue of transparency, and our whole culture.
Q: Economic reform, the creative economy, and urbanisation are some of the topics up for discussion at APEC. Another important theme is anti-corruption. What are your views on the relationship between anti-corruption measures and economic development? In the past, people have viewed this as a political issue and a social issue.
A: In the long term, anti-corruption measures are necessary for economic development. In Singapore, we feel anti-corruption is very important. Since the People's Action Party became the ruling party, its 55 years - we have always stood firm on maintaining a clean and corruption-free Government. Of course, sometimes some people may break the rules, or break the law. No matter who is involved, we deal with this very strictly according to law. So I admire Mr Xi's anti-corruption drive in China.
