The salaries of cabinet ministers in Singapore have been cut by at least a third, but they will still be the highest-paid politicians in the world. Singapore has traditionally paid its politicians very well, to attract the best talent from the private sector and reduce the temptation of ill-gotten gains. This has helped prevent Singapore from going the route of many countries where the state is looted by politicians who see public service as an opportunity for personal enrichment.
But, as ordinary people struggle to deal with the economic fall-out of the global crises, there has been a popular backlash against huge pay cheques for politicians. In a sensible, symbolic move to help defuse popular resentment, the Cabinet has agreed to a cut in pay.
The bonuses ministers received for meeting performance targets on economic growth and job creation have also been reduced. By introducing some of the rigours of performance management in private companies into public service, Singapore will improve its governance and public accountability.
