Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/goh-chok-tong-salary-not-starting-point-in-looking-for-ministers-10597576
(Updated: )
Singapore must always follow our "Success Formula" - that has bring us to what we are and what we have now.
(a) To pay everyone for what we are worth.
Whether we are :-
(1) Managers
(2) Executives
(3) Engineers
(4) Technicians
(5) Plumbers
(6) Businessmen
(7) Civil Servants
(8) Cleaners
etc and should continue to upgrade them and pay them the market price - so that they will enjoy an improved high standard of living.
This applies to the Ministers and Politicians --- who are drawn from this pool of talents.
We must continue to draw the best talents to govern Singapore.
We must not shortchange anyone --- if we fail to do so will be :-
(1) Against Universal Law of Karma - that preside on Justice, Fairness.
(2) System must always be put right --- not try to be populist, play to the gallery - for if a flaw system is put in place ------- Singapore will be condemn to fail.
(3) 3 attributes must be in place and must be in the right order for Singapore System to succeed :-
(a) Selfless --- to serve the Nation selflessly
(b) Wisdom --- all policies and ideologies must be temper with wisdom --- not populist, not play to gallery ---- must be able to withstand market forces, competition and can stand against the vigor of competing with the World.
(c) Compassion --- when all the right system, right policies are put in place --- then we will temper the system with Compassion to help those who have fall behind to pull them up and let them enjoy the success of Singapore and not let them fall behind.
For failing to do all the above --- is being irresponsible ---- and Singapore will U-turn to failure.
(a) To pay everyone for what we are worth.
Whether we are :-
(1) Managers
(2) Executives
(3) Engineers
(4) Technicians
(5) Plumbers
(6) Businessmen
(7) Civil Servants
(8) Cleaners
etc and should continue to upgrade them and pay them the market price - so that they will enjoy an improved high standard of living.
This applies to the Ministers and Politicians --- who are drawn from this pool of talents.
We must continue to draw the best talents to govern Singapore.
We must not shortchange anyone --- if we fail to do so will be :-
(1) Against Universal Law of Karma - that preside on Justice, Fairness.
(2) System must always be put right --- not try to be populist, play to the gallery - for if a flaw system is put in place ------- Singapore will be condemn to fail.
(3) 3 attributes must be in place and must be in the right order for Singapore System to succeed :-
(a) Selfless --- to serve the Nation selflessly
(b) Wisdom --- all policies and ideologies must be temper with wisdom --- not populist, not play to gallery ---- must be able to withstand market forces, competition and can stand against the vigor of competing with the World.
(c) Compassion --- when all the right system, right policies are put in place --- then we will temper the system with Compassion to help those who have fall behind to pull them up and let them enjoy the success of Singapore and not let them fall behind.
For failing to do all the above --- is being irresponsible ---- and Singapore will U-turn to failure.
Singapore has to be careful not to fall into the following traps :-
(1) To let populist for "fly by night politicians" - to cut pay, to pretend to be alruisitc and selfless to take less pay to goven
(2) No need to pay me so much, pay me half of what the current Ministers is getting - and i will serve you.
(3) I will be like Trump, no need to pay me a single cent - and i will make "Singaporeans First".
--- The above proposition will be a sure way for Singapore to fail.
--- Mediocrity will creep in.
--- Corruption will creep in.
--- Monkey see monkey do ---- is the surest way to failure.
This is in effect go against the Universal Law of Success Order :-
(1) Selfless --- some are true selfless with true altruisitc value but majority are fake selfless and fake altruistic disguised as selfless to serve ---- and Singapore will fail miserably.
(2) Compassion --- compassion comes before Wisdom.
(Even before the politicians can grow the Economy ---- some people talk about must be compassionate to elderly lah, poor lah, low income lah..
This could be true Compassion ---- but "Foolish Compassion".
We must have the best talents to grow the Economy before we talk about Compassion.
No money --- how to talk about Compassion.
Of course, some are "Fake Compassion" --- trying to play the "Compassion Card" to play to the gallery to win election first --- then no money to do compassion --- will say sorry - no money to help you, you are on your own. I also dying already.
(3) Wisdom -- not paying the market prices to get the best talent - how to grow the Economy?
Business not doing well, economy not doing well, fighter planes cannot fly, ship cannot sail, submarine cannot go into sea - will drown, doctors cannot treat complicated illness - because medical skill not enough, engineers cannot maintain systems, etc.
If Singapore ever go down to this path ----- getting the order wrong - we condemn ourselves into Hell.
(1) Selfless-Compassion-Wisdom ---- is the wrong order.
Failing to pay the market worth to Ministers, civil services, CEOs, and all professions whether managers, executives, technicians, teachers, cleaners, plumbers etc. - is the wrong order.
(1) To let populist for "fly by night politicians" - to cut pay, to pretend to be alruisitc and selfless to take less pay to goven
(2) No need to pay me so much, pay me half of what the current Ministers is getting - and i will serve you.
(3) I will be like Trump, no need to pay me a single cent - and i will make "Singaporeans First".
--- The above proposition will be a sure way for Singapore to fail.
--- Mediocrity will creep in.
--- Corruption will creep in.
--- Monkey see monkey do ---- is the surest way to failure.
This is in effect go against the Universal Law of Success Order :-
(1) Selfless --- some are true selfless with true altruisitc value but majority are fake selfless and fake altruistic disguised as selfless to serve ---- and Singapore will fail miserably.
(2) Compassion --- compassion comes before Wisdom.
(Even before the politicians can grow the Economy ---- some people talk about must be compassionate to elderly lah, poor lah, low income lah..
This could be true Compassion ---- but "Foolish Compassion".
We must have the best talents to grow the Economy before we talk about Compassion.
No money --- how to talk about Compassion.
Of course, some are "Fake Compassion" --- trying to play the "Compassion Card" to play to the gallery to win election first --- then no money to do compassion --- will say sorry - no money to help you, you are on your own. I also dying already.
(3) Wisdom -- not paying the market prices to get the best talent - how to grow the Economy?
Business not doing well, economy not doing well, fighter planes cannot fly, ship cannot sail, submarine cannot go into sea - will drown, doctors cannot treat complicated illness - because medical skill not enough, engineers cannot maintain systems, etc.
If Singapore ever go down to this path ----- getting the order wrong - we condemn ourselves into Hell.
(1) Selfless-Compassion-Wisdom ---- is the wrong order.
Failing to pay the market worth to Ministers, civil services, CEOs, and all professions whether managers, executives, technicians, teachers, cleaners, plumbers etc. - is the wrong order.
We must continnue to uphold and hold it dear our "Succes Formula" :-
(1) Pay market rate to Ministers, Politicians, Civil Service, CEOs, Businessmen, Managers, Executives, Professionals, Engineers, Technicians, Teachers, Cleaners, Plumbers etc - and to conitnue to upgrade them to enjoy a higher standard of living as we continue to grow Singapore Economy.
(2) Follow the following order correctly :-
(a) Selfless to serve - come first
(b) Wisdom - get the best talents to govern by paying them their worth
(c) Compassion - and once the best talents grow the Economy and everyone do well - temper the policies to help those who fall behind, continue to upgrade them and pull them along to succeed with the rest who are successful.
The above formula must not be compromise --- and must uphold dearly.
Never allow populist, fake altruistic politicians (Oh i can take lesser pay and govern as well ---- is playing to the gallery - a big bullshit --- because it will upset the system that bring success).
(1) Pay market rate to Ministers, Politicians, Civil Service, CEOs, Businessmen, Managers, Executives, Professionals, Engineers, Technicians, Teachers, Cleaners, Plumbers etc - and to conitnue to upgrade them to enjoy a higher standard of living as we continue to grow Singapore Economy.
(2) Follow the following order correctly :-
(a) Selfless to serve - come first
(b) Wisdom - get the best talents to govern by paying them their worth
(c) Compassion - and once the best talents grow the Economy and everyone do well - temper the policies to help those who fall behind, continue to upgrade them and pull them along to succeed with the rest who are successful.
The above formula must not be compromise --- and must uphold dearly.
Never allow populist, fake altruistic politicians (Oh i can take lesser pay and govern as well ---- is playing to the gallery - a big bullshit --- because it will upset the system that bring success).
Credit must be given when due.
PAP has indeed bring a "Great Success" to Singapore - and has transform Singapore from "A Marshland into a Cosmospolitan City".
In fact, PAP has exceed its promise as PAP has make Singapore the "3rd Wealthiest Country in the World - as Per Capita GDP of PPP" ==== has way exceeded the Swiss Standard of Living.
In fact, Singapore has exceeded most developed Countries and Powerful Countries in the World like USA, China, Japan, EU countries like Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain etc. Even Country like Finland, Norway, Australia, S Korea etc.
Swiss Per Capita GDP of PPP is US$61,360 per annum per household.
Singapore Per Capita GDP of PPP is US$90,531 per annum per household.
PAP has kept his promise and will continue to upgrade the lives of Singaporeans and residents.
PAP has indeed bring a "Great Success" to Singapore - and has transform Singapore from "A Marshland into a Cosmospolitan City".
In fact, PAP has exceed its promise as PAP has make Singapore the "3rd Wealthiest Country in the World - as Per Capita GDP of PPP" ==== has way exceeded the Swiss Standard of Living.
In fact, Singapore has exceeded most developed Countries and Powerful Countries in the World like USA, China, Japan, EU countries like Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain etc. Even Country like Finland, Norway, Australia, S Korea etc.
Swiss Per Capita GDP of PPP is US$61,360 per annum per household.
Singapore Per Capita GDP of PPP is US$90,531 per annum per household.
PAP has kept his promise and will continue to upgrade the lives of Singaporeans and residents.
So I don't see why should we follow other examples - of cutting the pay of Ministers and follow other Countries ---- when Singapore has done so well.
By reversing our success formula - will in fact turn our fate around --- instead of making us successful --- will condemn us into failure.
Cut pay, be altruistic, be selfless ---- is a great politician lies to tell to the gallery --- but a sure way to condemn Singapore to failure.
By reversing our success formula - will in fact turn our fate around --- instead of making us successful --- will condemn us into failure.
Cut pay, be altruistic, be selfless ---- is a great politician lies to tell to the gallery --- but a sure way to condemn Singapore to failure.
Let us revisit the achievements that PAP has done for Singapore since independence :-
(1) Singapore build newater, desalination plants from waste water, sea water - and make sure that Singaporeans will not be strangle by an old man that want us to die from thirst, and that want to strangle us by the neck and that want us to fail.
Again PAP has build "drinking water" for our survival from nothing.
This alone has already proven the worth of PAP.
In addition there are many more achievements for all Singaporeans and residents to see. Here is the report card:-
Taking stock of what the Ministers have produced for Singapore - and whether they deserve their pay.
Singapore under the current Government has many notable achievements :-
(1) The 3rd wealthiest Country in the World in per capita income (GDP PPP) - surpassing wealthy Countries like USA, Japan, China, S Korea, Australia, Canada, Europe like Germany, Switzerland, UK, France, Norway, Finland, Italy etc.
(2) Has foreign exchange reserve more than 2 times the size of USA.
(3) More than 90% of house ownership - among the highest in the World and continue to build high quality HDB flats for new generation of Singaporeans and residents.
(4) Has Sovereign Funds 3 times the size of the Economy - to continue to earn ROI and grow the worth of our CPF, Sovereign Wealth and Reserve of Singapore.
(5) Has Trade 3 times the size of the Economy - to create more jobs for Singaporeans.
(6) Has entered into bi-lateral and multi-lateral FTAs - among the highest in the World - to grow trade and contribute to the GDP and Economic Growth of Singapore.
(7) Build a highly capable 3G SAF - Army, Airforce and Navy - to protect the lives of Singaporeans.
(8) One of the most IT savvy and network Smart Nation - to improve the standard livings of Singaporeans.
(9) Build one of the most Advanced medical healthcare and improve the overall healthcare of Singaporeans.
(10) Build Highly integrated rail, bus, cab, private hire transport network - to facilitate commuting of Singaporeans.
And many other achievements.
This is similar to the Corporate Story ---- whether the Ministers deliver the "worth" as "CEO of Singapore" ---- and whether these CEOs deserve the pay given to them.
Singapore Government as "CEO" --- indeed has surpass the Switzerland standard of living for Singaporeans --- now the 3rd wealthiest Country in the World - losing only to Qatar and Luxembourg.
(1) Singapore build newater, desalination plants from waste water, sea water - and make sure that Singaporeans will not be strangle by an old man that want us to die from thirst, and that want to strangle us by the neck and that want us to fail.
Again PAP has build "drinking water" for our survival from nothing.
This alone has already proven the worth of PAP.
In addition there are many more achievements for all Singaporeans and residents to see. Here is the report card:-
Taking stock of what the Ministers have produced for Singapore - and whether they deserve their pay.
Singapore under the current Government has many notable achievements :-
(1) The 3rd wealthiest Country in the World in per capita income (GDP PPP) - surpassing wealthy Countries like USA, Japan, China, S Korea, Australia, Canada, Europe like Germany, Switzerland, UK, France, Norway, Finland, Italy etc.
(2) Has foreign exchange reserve more than 2 times the size of USA.
(3) More than 90% of house ownership - among the highest in the World and continue to build high quality HDB flats for new generation of Singaporeans and residents.
(4) Has Sovereign Funds 3 times the size of the Economy - to continue to earn ROI and grow the worth of our CPF, Sovereign Wealth and Reserve of Singapore.
(5) Has Trade 3 times the size of the Economy - to create more jobs for Singaporeans.
(6) Has entered into bi-lateral and multi-lateral FTAs - among the highest in the World - to grow trade and contribute to the GDP and Economic Growth of Singapore.
(7) Build a highly capable 3G SAF - Army, Airforce and Navy - to protect the lives of Singaporeans.
(8) One of the most IT savvy and network Smart Nation - to improve the standard livings of Singaporeans.
(9) Build one of the most Advanced medical healthcare and improve the overall healthcare of Singaporeans.
(10) Build Highly integrated rail, bus, cab, private hire transport network - to facilitate commuting of Singaporeans.
And many other achievements.
This is similar to the Corporate Story ---- whether the Ministers deliver the "worth" as "CEO of Singapore" ---- and whether these CEOs deserve the pay given to them.
Singapore Government as "CEO" --- indeed has surpass the Switzerland standard of living for Singaporeans --- now the 3rd wealthiest Country in the World - losing only to Qatar and Luxembourg.
What is he talking about not enough pay for ministers. How can you compare private sectors and govs sectors as comparision is it far way out. Private sectors CEO do get high paid is they do generate high return for their company and what govs sectors generate is different cannot compare at all. Ask the local Singaporeans what have these ministers deliver and what policies benefits the Singaporeans. Serving as a public servants or ministers their job are to serve the people of singapore whether it is low salary once u intend to step into the govs sectors do your job right to serve the public not going for high salary that will make them more idle and coming out with unpopular policies as most of their job is done and survey by their civil servants. High pay doesn't mean no corruptions we need honest, public focus and care with integrity ministers not just talk without further action taken. We as a Singaporeans can even pick our own ministers to run the country let be honest about it.
Then everyone take a pay cut -- if Ministers are taking a pay cut.
Why everyone so special?
Then who want to be Ministers?
Ah kow, ah ngiow, ah ben, ah seng, ah huay, ah lian?
Your idea is condemning Singapore into failure - and cannot stand water.
You must as well say, all CEOs cut pay, managers cut pay, executive cut pay. All workers and staff raise salary as all work are done by workers and staff.
CEOs and managers and executive don't make strategic decisions.
Obviously your arguments don't stand water - just arguing for the sake of arguing - is a populist ideas playing to the gallery.
(1) You can have a brilliant general with mediocre soldiers --- and you can win a war.
(2) If you have mediocre general with brilliant soldiers - it is as good as sending the soldiers to their death and lose the war.
(3) If you have brilliant general with brilliant soldiers - you will overwhelm your enemies in all ways hands down will minimal casaulties.
Why everyone so special?
Then who want to be Ministers?
Ah kow, ah ngiow, ah ben, ah seng, ah huay, ah lian?
Your idea is condemning Singapore into failure - and cannot stand water.
You must as well say, all CEOs cut pay, managers cut pay, executive cut pay. All workers and staff raise salary as all work are done by workers and staff.
CEOs and managers and executive don't make strategic decisions.
Obviously your arguments don't stand water - just arguing for the sake of arguing - is a populist ideas playing to the gallery.
(1) You can have a brilliant general with mediocre soldiers --- and you can win a war.
(2) If you have mediocre general with brilliant soldiers - it is as good as sending the soldiers to their death and lose the war.
(3) If you have brilliant general with brilliant soldiers - you will overwhelm your enemies in all ways hands down will minimal casaulties.
On one hand he said our ministers are not paid enough and with the same mouth he said salary was not the starting point in looking for minister. How do one start looking for minister without taking salary into account when the perception is already that able people won't take on a minister post if the salary does not meet up to their expectations?
Will you take up a job as CEO paying you $2,000 a month - while your engineer draw $5,000 a month -- citing CEO must sacrifice for the sake of the organization.
Tell me honestly whether will you take up the CEO job?
Tell me honestly whether will you take up the CEO job?
And assume you are a CEO fetching $2,000 a month.
I ask you to quit and be a Minister for $1,000 a month - to be selfless to serve the Nation.
Will you take up the job as a Minister for $1,000 a month?
I ask you to quit and be a Minister for $1,000 a month - to be selfless to serve the Nation.
Will you take up the job as a Minister for $1,000 a month?
If no, why not?
Trump the President of USA only draw US$1 a month and he is willing to take it you know.
Everyone here say must follow other Countries example mah.
USA is the World most powerful Nation - why don't you follow his example to draw US$1 a month to serve Singapore as PM?
Trump the President of USA only draw US$1 a month and he is willing to take it you know.
Everyone here say must follow other Countries example mah.
USA is the World most powerful Nation - why don't you follow his example to draw US$1 a month to serve Singapore as PM?
If you say you will take the job as PM - and willing to draw US$1 a month - then build a Cabinet of Minister will are willing to draw US$1 a month to run Singapore.
(1) Let see whether you can get your full Cabinet to run Singapore or not at US$1 a month.
(2) Even if you are able to get ah du, ah kow, ah ngiow, ah beng, ah seng, ah huay, ah lian to be your Cabinet Ministers ---- will you bring Singapore down in one big swop?
This scenario role play - is a demonstration of how flaw argument of selfless, altrustic, populist, unrealistic notion that will condemn and bring Singapore from heaven to hell.
This is what Dr M want ignorant Singaporeans to do ---- and looking at this Board, Dr M will be laughing on his chair --- to have successfully instigate naive Singaporeans such as those in this Board ---- to make Singapore fall.
(1) Let see whether you can get your full Cabinet to run Singapore or not at US$1 a month.
(2) Even if you are able to get ah du, ah kow, ah ngiow, ah beng, ah seng, ah huay, ah lian to be your Cabinet Ministers ---- will you bring Singapore down in one big swop?
This scenario role play - is a demonstration of how flaw argument of selfless, altrustic, populist, unrealistic notion that will condemn and bring Singapore from heaven to hell.
This is what Dr M want ignorant Singaporeans to do ---- and looking at this Board, Dr M will be laughing on his chair --- to have successfully instigate naive Singaporeans such as those in this Board ---- to make Singapore fall.
Kwai Meng Tang
Ricky Lim You barking at the wrong tree. Salary is the starting point despite what Mr. Goh claimed was not. There was a obvious reason why Edwin Tong have to opted for a cut when he decided to take on the post, you can call it sacrifice or a sincere wish to serve Kudos to Edwin Tong.
Kwai Meng Tang - Let me tell you what ESM Goh means when salaries is not the starting point.
(1) During the time of crisis, outstanding personalities will stand out to serve - and salaries will not be the starting point.
When Singapore is a marshland - sufferings from the ordeal of WW2, British withdrawal, cutting out from Malaysia, communism, communalism, racial riot, gangsterism etc --- when every Singaporeans lives is at risk, where everyone's families lives and future has no guarantee ---- outstanding people like Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee, Mr Hon Sui San, Mr Rajaratnam, Dr Toh Chin Chye etc --- will stand out and salaries will not be the starting point.
(2) But now when the Nation is so well developed, peace, harmony, prosperity is abliss - expecting outstanding people to stand out to serve and save the Nation --- will no longer be the push to bring good talents out to serve.
The context and scenario has changed - and to entice good talents to step out of their comfort zone to serve --- will be the starting salary to entice them to come out to serve - so that they will not lose too much from the salary they currently draw --- plus selfless factor inherent in them.
This is the whole context of what ESM Goh is trying to convey ---- where salaries is not the starting point, but it will be an important factor to draw out the talent from the comfort zone.
My scenario role play fully demonstrate this.
(1) During the time of crisis, outstanding personalities will stand out to serve - and salaries will not be the starting point.
When Singapore is a marshland - sufferings from the ordeal of WW2, British withdrawal, cutting out from Malaysia, communism, communalism, racial riot, gangsterism etc --- when every Singaporeans lives is at risk, where everyone's families lives and future has no guarantee ---- outstanding people like Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee, Mr Hon Sui San, Mr Rajaratnam, Dr Toh Chin Chye etc --- will stand out and salaries will not be the starting point.
(2) But now when the Nation is so well developed, peace, harmony, prosperity is abliss - expecting outstanding people to stand out to serve and save the Nation --- will no longer be the push to bring good talents out to serve.
The context and scenario has changed - and to entice good talents to step out of their comfort zone to serve --- will be the starting salary to entice them to come out to serve - so that they will not lose too much from the salary they currently draw --- plus selfless factor inherent in them.
This is the whole context of what ESM Goh is trying to convey ---- where salaries is not the starting point, but it will be an important factor to draw out the talent from the comfort zone.
My scenario role play fully demonstrate this.
Kwai Meng Tang
Ricky Lim You barking at the wrong tree. Salary is the starting point despite what Mr. Goh claimed was not. There was a obvious reason why Edwin Tong have to opted for a cut when he decided to take on the post, you can call it sacrifice or a sincere wish to serve Kudos to Edwin Tong.
Kwai Meng Tang - Let me tell you what ESM Goh means when salaries is not the starting point.
(1) During the time of crisis, outstanding personalities will stand out to serve - and salaries will not be the starting point.
When Singapore is a marshland - sufferings from the ordeal of WW2, British withdrawal, cutting out from Malaysia, communism, communalism, racial riot, gangsterism etc --- when every Singaporeans lives is at risk, where everyone's families lives and future has no guarantee ---- outstanding people like Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee, Mr Hon Sui San, Mr Rajaratnam, Dr Toh Chin Chye etc --- will stand out and salaries will not be the starting point.
(2) But now when the Nation is so well developed, peace, harmony, prosperity is abliss - expecting outstanding people to stand out to serve and save the Nation --- will no longer be the push to bring good talents out to serve.
The context and scenario has changed - and to entice good talents to step out of their comfort zone to serve --- will be the starting salary to entice them to come out to serve - so that they will not lose too much from the salary they currently draw --- plus selfless factor inherent in them.
This is the whole context of what ESM Goh is trying to convey ---- where salaries is not the starting point, but it will be an important factor to draw out the talent from the comfort zone.
My scenario role play fully demonstrate this.
(1) During the time of crisis, outstanding personalities will stand out to serve - and salaries will not be the starting point.
When Singapore is a marshland - sufferings from the ordeal of WW2, British withdrawal, cutting out from Malaysia, communism, communalism, racial riot, gangsterism etc --- when every Singaporeans lives is at risk, where everyone's families lives and future has no guarantee ---- outstanding people like Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee, Mr Hon Sui San, Mr Rajaratnam, Dr Toh Chin Chye etc --- will stand out and salaries will not be the starting point.
(2) But now when the Nation is so well developed, peace, harmony, prosperity is abliss - expecting outstanding people to stand out to serve and save the Nation --- will no longer be the push to bring good talents out to serve.
The context and scenario has changed - and to entice good talents to step out of their comfort zone to serve --- will be the starting salary to entice them to come out to serve - so that they will not lose too much from the salary they currently draw --- plus selfless factor inherent in them.
This is the whole context of what ESM Goh is trying to convey ---- where salaries is not the starting point, but it will be an important factor to draw out the talent from the comfort zone.
My scenario role play fully demonstrate this.
Based on what I read from the Board --- it is evidently clear that :-
(1) In most Singaporean's head --- they know that you need to pay the worth for good talent to serve.
(2) But in many of this Singaporean's heart - they want to believe that politicians should be altruistic to do alot of self sacrifice to the point that they do hefty salary cut - to leave their jobs to serve the Nation.
But when throw the scenario back to these Singaporeans --- to play the high moral ground of selflessness to serve ----- all take aback and withdraw.
So it is easy to tell others to self-sacrifice when many are not able to self-sacrifice --- because as long as the right system is not in place ---- everything fall apart.
(1) In most Singaporean's head --- they know that you need to pay the worth for good talent to serve.
(2) But in many of this Singaporean's heart - they want to believe that politicians should be altruistic to do alot of self sacrifice to the point that they do hefty salary cut - to leave their jobs to serve the Nation.
But when throw the scenario back to these Singaporeans --- to play the high moral ground of selflessness to serve ----- all take aback and withdraw.
So it is easy to tell others to self-sacrifice when many are not able to self-sacrifice --- because as long as the right system is not in place ---- everything fall apart.
As for the case of a person who fetch $500,000 per annum - whether will he be qualify to be a Minister that draw $1 million a year :-
I will like to agree to a certain extent and also tend to disagree on other grounds.
I agree because :-
(1) A person if fetching $1 million in his current pay - will have handle corporation or responsibilities that is worth $1 million and according to market forces - it is a measure of his ability to handle a Minister job that worth $1 million.
This is a simple mathematics and a logical extension of justification of this person's competency.
In this respect I agree with ESM Goh.
(2) However, there is a possibility that this person though draw $500,000 per annum, but could have the underlying potential or the possible experience in his job - expose to projects or responsibilities that is worth the market value of $1 million per annum.
Let me elaborate how is this possible.
Eg. a person could be managing and coordinating across multiple organisations, external vendors and customers a very sizable projects that are worth billions of dollars such as developing an eco-City.
But this person can be drawing only a couple of hundred thousands of dollars per annum - even though his exposure demonstrate that he can manage a billion dollars of projects.
Another eg. is a person could be expose to manage billion dollars of National project even though he could be drawing hundred thousands of dollars per annum.
The only difference is, a Minister is accountable to the Nation, whereas the person who is expose to the ecoCity or National Project - is accountable to his project team.
Subsequently, ESM Goh clarify that salary is not the starting point (as this could be taken into context during the heat of argument) - "In his Facebook post, Mr Goh said that he “did not mean nor believe that Singaporeans at whatever level of income are mediocre."
I will like to agree to a certain extent and also tend to disagree on other grounds.
I agree because :-
(1) A person if fetching $1 million in his current pay - will have handle corporation or responsibilities that is worth $1 million and according to market forces - it is a measure of his ability to handle a Minister job that worth $1 million.
This is a simple mathematics and a logical extension of justification of this person's competency.
In this respect I agree with ESM Goh.
(2) However, there is a possibility that this person though draw $500,000 per annum, but could have the underlying potential or the possible experience in his job - expose to projects or responsibilities that is worth the market value of $1 million per annum.
Let me elaborate how is this possible.
Eg. a person could be managing and coordinating across multiple organisations, external vendors and customers a very sizable projects that are worth billions of dollars such as developing an eco-City.
But this person can be drawing only a couple of hundred thousands of dollars per annum - even though his exposure demonstrate that he can manage a billion dollars of projects.
Another eg. is a person could be expose to manage billion dollars of National project even though he could be drawing hundred thousands of dollars per annum.
The only difference is, a Minister is accountable to the Nation, whereas the person who is expose to the ecoCity or National Project - is accountable to his project team.
Subsequently, ESM Goh clarify that salary is not the starting point (as this could be taken into context during the heat of argument) - "In his Facebook post, Mr Goh said that he “did not mean nor believe that Singaporeans at whatever level of income are mediocre."
Lay Poh Lim
Ricky Lim U talk as if the ministers becomes god because they are paid with millions and can do wonders is total nonsense.
You never mention the people below, the workers who are being taxed to suffocation in order to survive in this most expensive place on earth.
The young are unable to afford housing, the middle aged are struggling to pay bills and bring up only child as they cannot afford seccnd child and the old living on paltry handouts such as workfare and GST vouchers as many donot even meet cpf min sums.
Please go and walk around.
Ministers are national service jobs with honor, respect and power different from business CEOs and they are to look after welfare of citizens but not to enrich themselves AT the expense of citizens.
GST coming to 9 %?
You never mention the people below, the workers who are being taxed to suffocation in order to survive in this most expensive place on earth.
The young are unable to afford housing, the middle aged are struggling to pay bills and bring up only child as they cannot afford seccnd child and the old living on paltry handouts such as workfare and GST vouchers as many donot even meet cpf min sums.
Please go and walk around.
Ministers are national service jobs with honor, respect and power different from business CEOs and they are to look after welfare of citizens but not to enrich themselves AT the expense of citizens.
GST coming to 9 %?
Freddy Chin
Ricky Lim only reads what he believes..Hence I think he might be a student studying cybersecurity. Talking about bringing talented people to govern the country and paying them insanely by linking with the commercial world is not correct. Governing a country and running a corporate is not identical. Do you know that an actor used to govern US ? He had done his job well and was a beloved and respected president.
Freddy Chin - I think you must be trying very hard to crack a joke.
I don't know how you come out with the impression that i am a student?
Probably I have to weigh whether you are qualify to be my student or not.
And I also wonder how you conclude that i am studying cybersecurity?
I am not in cybersecurity.
If you want to guess my background - it will continue to be a mystery to you - as I think you will not succeed.
I have say enough why we need to pay the talent what he or she is worth to govern - and i do not want to keep repeating like a broken record.
Singapore is a success story in governance by benchmarking with the World. The report scorecard reveal itself. I have say enough.
I don't know how you come out with the impression that i am a student?
Probably I have to weigh whether you are qualify to be my student or not.
And I also wonder how you conclude that i am studying cybersecurity?
I am not in cybersecurity.
If you want to guess my background - it will continue to be a mystery to you - as I think you will not succeed.
I have say enough why we need to pay the talent what he or she is worth to govern - and i do not want to keep repeating like a broken record.
Singapore is a success story in governance by benchmarking with the World. The report scorecard reveal itself. I have say enough.
Lay Poh Lim - I am not sure how you link the pay of a Minister to the policies he implement?
(1) You assume that by paying a Minister at market rate, he will implement tax policies that is unaffordable to many citizens, while if you pay a meagre to a Minister, he will tax very little on the citizen.
This notion isn't it flaw by linking the 2 together?
(2) I have already illustrate indepth that to lure a talented people from a pool of talent to become a Minister - you will need to pay close to the market rate (that are benchmark against a basket of professions) --- in this context of our development of Economy (when we are not in a crisis) - else you won't get talent to run the Country.
Where if life and death are involved such as the 1960s, you will have probably lure out another Mr Lee Kuan Yew without the need to dangle a good remuneration.
(3) As for the cost of living, likely GST increase - I have explained multiple times that the Government are equally concern how the cost of living are impacting citizens and they will look at various measures to reduce the impact on the citizens. The Government is not foolish to try to antagonize the people for the sake of collecting taxes.
(a) I have explained a number of times that there is geopolitical shift in the tax structure across the globe. Notably US has lower its corporate tax and income tax heftily even to the extent of ballooning its budget deficit and blow up its public debt to $21 trillion.
We have to stay competitive in our tax structure so that we can continue to attract MNCs and wealth fund to stay in Singapore - else people like you will have lost your jobs if MNCs and wealthy high net worth will leave.
We cannot rely on corporate tax or personal tax to sustain our development, investment and spendings --- and thus have to creatively think of other tax structure to keep Singapore Economy, development, investment and social spendings going.
(b) Thus other tax revenue sources have to be considered as geopolitiical tax structure change, disruptive tech transform traditional industry, and demographics of our population mix change.
Thus tax structure as coined by our Minister of Finance have moved to explore new revenue sources :-
(i) Drawing half the profit from earnings from Soveriegn Fund (and plough back half of the profit to grow our reserve - to earn more profit for Singapore).
(ii) Looking at digital tax due to growing Economy on eCommerce.
(iii) Looking into consumption tax such as GST (where the rich, high net worth will spend more - and willing to pay the tax) - while thinking of measures to protect the lower income and middle income from the impact of GST increase if they continue their spending habits without sudden extravagant spendings of GST rebate that help them to cushion the GST increase.
(1) You assume that by paying a Minister at market rate, he will implement tax policies that is unaffordable to many citizens, while if you pay a meagre to a Minister, he will tax very little on the citizen.
This notion isn't it flaw by linking the 2 together?
(2) I have already illustrate indepth that to lure a talented people from a pool of talent to become a Minister - you will need to pay close to the market rate (that are benchmark against a basket of professions) --- in this context of our development of Economy (when we are not in a crisis) - else you won't get talent to run the Country.
Where if life and death are involved such as the 1960s, you will have probably lure out another Mr Lee Kuan Yew without the need to dangle a good remuneration.
(3) As for the cost of living, likely GST increase - I have explained multiple times that the Government are equally concern how the cost of living are impacting citizens and they will look at various measures to reduce the impact on the citizens. The Government is not foolish to try to antagonize the people for the sake of collecting taxes.
(a) I have explained a number of times that there is geopolitical shift in the tax structure across the globe. Notably US has lower its corporate tax and income tax heftily even to the extent of ballooning its budget deficit and blow up its public debt to $21 trillion.
We have to stay competitive in our tax structure so that we can continue to attract MNCs and wealth fund to stay in Singapore - else people like you will have lost your jobs if MNCs and wealthy high net worth will leave.
We cannot rely on corporate tax or personal tax to sustain our development, investment and spendings --- and thus have to creatively think of other tax structure to keep Singapore Economy, development, investment and social spendings going.
(b) Thus other tax revenue sources have to be considered as geopolitiical tax structure change, disruptive tech transform traditional industry, and demographics of our population mix change.
Thus tax structure as coined by our Minister of Finance have moved to explore new revenue sources :-
(i) Drawing half the profit from earnings from Soveriegn Fund (and plough back half of the profit to grow our reserve - to earn more profit for Singapore).
(ii) Looking at digital tax due to growing Economy on eCommerce.
(iii) Looking into consumption tax such as GST (where the rich, high net worth will spend more - and willing to pay the tax) - while thinking of measures to protect the lower income and middle income from the impact of GST increase if they continue their spending habits without sudden extravagant spendings of GST rebate that help them to cushion the GST increase.
As many people are concern about the impact of GST increase on jacking up their cost of livings, let me assure you based on past experiences :-
(1) there are 4 increase of GST in the past - and everytime, the Government has introduced measures to ensure that there is minimal impact on the low income and middle income people.
Statistics gathered by the Government reveal that, as long as people did not change their spending habit, the GST rebate received by these group of people actually "earn or gain" vis a vis the GST increase.
Most of the GST revenue are contributed by the high income earners.
(2) Government understand the impact of electricity bill and water bill that will have affected many household due to the volatile fluctuations of oil.
As a result, the Government has successfully piloted the open energy market in Jurong and will be rolling out to the rest of Singaporeans.
Many energy service providers will participate --- with energy sources generated not only by fossil fuel, but also by solar power, LNG, waste etc --- and this will help to prevent a rise of electricity bill due to the volatile oil prices.
I think I will not elaborate further as the appropriate measures will be introduced as it comes.
In this respect, a talented and brilliant Minister make a big difference - where conversely a mediocre Minister will mess things up.
As for the individuals, they got to continue to upgrade and look for opportunity to make themselves valuable to earn more and improve their income.
Remember :-
山不转，路转。
路不转，人转。
人不转，脑转。 (Google translate :- The mountain does not turn, the road turns.
The road does not turn, people turn.
People don't turn, their brains turn.)
And it will be unhelpful if :-
山不转。
路不转。
人不转。
脑不转。
只有嘴巴不停转 - 有个屁用。(Google translate :- The mountain does not turn.
The road does not turn.
People don't turn.
The brain does not turn.
Only the mouth keeps turning - there is a fart. (smelly, unhelpful not improving anything).
(1) there are 4 increase of GST in the past - and everytime, the Government has introduced measures to ensure that there is minimal impact on the low income and middle income people.
Statistics gathered by the Government reveal that, as long as people did not change their spending habit, the GST rebate received by these group of people actually "earn or gain" vis a vis the GST increase.
Most of the GST revenue are contributed by the high income earners.
(2) Government understand the impact of electricity bill and water bill that will have affected many household due to the volatile fluctuations of oil.
As a result, the Government has successfully piloted the open energy market in Jurong and will be rolling out to the rest of Singaporeans.
Many energy service providers will participate --- with energy sources generated not only by fossil fuel, but also by solar power, LNG, waste etc --- and this will help to prevent a rise of electricity bill due to the volatile oil prices.
I think I will not elaborate further as the appropriate measures will be introduced as it comes.
In this respect, a talented and brilliant Minister make a big difference - where conversely a mediocre Minister will mess things up.
As for the individuals, they got to continue to upgrade and look for opportunity to make themselves valuable to earn more and improve their income.
Remember :-
山不转，路转。
路不转，人转。
人不转，脑转。 (Google translate :- The mountain does not turn, the road turns.
The road does not turn, people turn.
People don't turn, their brains turn.)
And it will be unhelpful if :-
山不转。
路不转。
人不转。
脑不转。
只有嘴巴不停转 - 有个屁用。(Google translate :- The mountain does not turn.
The road does not turn.
People don't turn.
The brain does not turn.
Only the mouth keeps turning - there is a fart. (smelly, unhelpful not improving anything).
Freddy Chin - "Governing a country and running a corporate is not identical. Do you know that an actor used to govern US ? He had done his job well and was a beloved and respected president."
--
With due regard to your statement above, just want to say this :-
(1) With due respect to the ex-President --- you will also like to know that this particular President is the one that has started and bring about the largest budget deficit and public debt to US running into trillion of dollars - that US future generations have not figure out how it will going to repay the trillion dollars of debt --- in case you are ignorant of.
--
With due regard to your statement above, just want to say this :-
(1) With due respect to the ex-President --- you will also like to know that this particular President is the one that has started and bring about the largest budget deficit and public debt to US running into trillion of dollars - that US future generations have not figure out how it will going to repay the trillion dollars of debt --- in case you are ignorant of.
But how do their children and grandchildren repay such a humoungous debts of trillions of dollars? 父债子还。
(2) Singapore's governance story as benchmark against the World - has bring Singapore as the 3rd wealthiest Country in the World based on per Capita GDP of PPP (Purchasing Power Parity).
And in many other aspects whether Economy, Education, Defense, Healthcare, Social benefits, Housing, Port, Airport etc fare extremely well in the World.
All these are brought about by the PAP Government.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
If Singaporeans use their heads to think and not use the heart to think about GST increase - everyone will find great relief that GST rebate indeed do more than cover the increase to 9% GST.
To illustrate by example so that people see clearly :-
Assume a household of 4 person spend $2,500 a month for household expenses for a middle income group.
$2,500 of 9% GST = $225 per month x 12 = $2,700 per annum.
Government give :-
(1) $300 for PaPa and $300 for MaMa = $600 per year
(2) Town council rebate of 4 room flat = $69.5 x 2.5 = $173.75 per year
(3) Utilities bill rebate of 4 room flat (U-Save) = $310 per year
Total = $1,083 per year
For others supplementary :-
Edusave bursary for polytechnics, JCs, ITEs (2 children) = $500 x 2 = $1,000
Medical subsidy (family of 4 see doctor for 1 year) - subsidy (50%) and GST exemption (9%) assume $2,000 = $1,000 + $180 = $1,180.
Total = $2,180 per year
Total GST rebate = $1,083 + $2,180 = $3,263 GST rebate per year
So this middle income spend $2,700 GST per year of GST 9%, but gain $3,263 GST rebate per year = $563 GST rebate profit.
Some other household (especially elderly, pioneer, handicapped, lowe income etc) will have more GST rebate like Pioneer GST rebate, HealthAssist rebate, Medisave rebate etc etc etc..
That is why lower income and middle income if maintain their spending habit will earn from GST increase.
But high income will pay more GST because they buy yacht, bungalows, Class A ward, restaurant, buy birkin bag, buy top grade cars....
Spend $1 million every month x 9% = $90,000 per month x 12 = $1.08 million GST per year (is sub sub water for them).
But if ask high income to pay = $1.08 million personal tax - they will be unhappy and leave Singapore.
To illustrate by example so that people see clearly :-
Assume a household of 4 person spend $2,500 a month for household expenses for a middle income group.
$2,500 of 9% GST = $225 per month x 12 = $2,700 per annum.
Government give :-
(1) $300 for PaPa and $300 for MaMa = $600 per year
(2) Town council rebate of 4 room flat = $69.5 x 2.5 = $173.75 per year
(3) Utilities bill rebate of 4 room flat (U-Save) = $310 per year
Total = $1,083 per year
For others supplementary :-
Edusave bursary for polytechnics, JCs, ITEs (2 children) = $500 x 2 = $1,000
Medical subsidy (family of 4 see doctor for 1 year) - subsidy (50%) and GST exemption (9%) assume $2,000 = $1,000 + $180 = $1,180.
Total = $2,180 per year
Total GST rebate = $1,083 + $2,180 = $3,263 GST rebate per year
So this middle income spend $2,700 GST per year of GST 9%, but gain $3,263 GST rebate per year = $563 GST rebate profit.
Some other household (especially elderly, pioneer, handicapped, lowe income etc) will have more GST rebate like Pioneer GST rebate, HealthAssist rebate, Medisave rebate etc etc etc..
That is why lower income and middle income if maintain their spending habit will earn from GST increase.
But high income will pay more GST because they buy yacht, bungalows, Class A ward, restaurant, buy birkin bag, buy top grade cars....
Spend $1 million every month x 9% = $90,000 per month x 12 = $1.08 million GST per year (is sub sub water for them).
But if ask high income to pay = $1.08 million personal tax - they will be unhappy and leave Singapore.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
An analogy :-
(1) For the rich, if you ask them to swallow bitter medicine (pay personal income tax of $1 million) --- they will leave thinking that it is a punishment for working hard as there are no reward.
But if you give them a pot of nice soup (all the goodies they like to buy) - a reward to them and you put bitter medicine into their nice soup (charge 9% GST) - they will be willing to pay because they are enjoying the nice soup (a reward to them) though taste a bit bitter.
(2) For the lower income and middle income people, they are presented with bitter medicine (9% GST) - that seems like a punishment.
But what comes behind is a "pot of gold" - GST rebate to reward them if they take the bitter medicine of 9% GST - that on the surface seems like a punishment to them, but actually behind is to help them by enticing the rich to pay 9% GST to help the lower income families.
(1) For the rich, if you ask them to swallow bitter medicine (pay personal income tax of $1 million) --- they will leave thinking that it is a punishment for working hard as there are no reward.
But if you give them a pot of nice soup (all the goodies they like to buy) - a reward to them and you put bitter medicine into their nice soup (charge 9% GST) - they will be willing to pay because they are enjoying the nice soup (a reward to them) though taste a bit bitter.
(2) For the lower income and middle income people, they are presented with bitter medicine (9% GST) - that seems like a punishment.
But what comes behind is a "pot of gold" - GST rebate to reward them if they take the bitter medicine of 9% GST - that on the surface seems like a punishment to them, but actually behind is to help them by enticing the rich to pay 9% GST to help the lower income families.
No comments:
Post a Comment