Pay Rise for civil servants

Following the announcement of a pay increment for civil servants, especially the ministers, an undesired uproar arose in Singapore. It was mainly the Prime Minister, the Senior Minister, the Minister Mentor and the President who were targets of controversy. They were already earning six-figure salaries but a pay increment meant that they would receive as much as S$2.94 million per year. Should the leaders be paid such high salaries? Over this question, a debate was brought about across Internet forums and newspapers but it really baffles me that Singaporeans of this age are unappreciative of the good governance in Singapore.

Personally, I do not object to the pay increment for the leaders and they certainly deserve every cent they are paid. Their job as leaders to govern our country is not a simple task that any other person can perfect. If the leaders were paid poorly, Singaporeans would assume that governing a country is as easy as giving speeches and meeting foreign ambassadors. As a result, the work of the Ministers becomes unappreciated and insignificant to those who know nothing about politics and yet blame the government when the economy suffers a plunge.

In my opinion, the critical problem that exists in Singapore is the mentality of taking good governance for granted. Many of us have overlooked the contributions of the leaders who shaped Singapore and made us stand out among other countries. Just take a look at our neighbours. Even now, graft still exists in countries like Indonesia and power struggles are common in Taiwan and China. In Singapore, political instability is non-existent and the economy is thriving. It is only a small percentage of the growth we enjoyed last year that the leaders are benefiting from and yet people are moaning at it. All of us are guilty of not appreciating everything we have and certainly, taken peacefulness for peace.

With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong donating his pay rise to charitable organisations, what more can we ask from a leader who planned our past and future meticulously.

all about me

I am Eugene from Kranji Secondary School. I am 17 this year and I live with my parents and sister. Both my parents are working and my sister is in poly for her second year.

My 4years in KSS has been made great with incredible friends who left me with priceless memories that I will take along as life goes on. Not forgetting some caring teachers, life in KSS has been more of fun than stressful. It has been a joy ride that I can only reluctantly get off after a short 4years and I truly hope to keep in contact with all,if not most,of my friends.

Previously, I was in NCC(LAND) and I am grateful to be able to bond closer with the guys and discover invaluable friendship. They made trainings so much more fun and maybe even tolerable. However, I have learnt something out of this CCA that I have always dreaded to attend in some way or another. I have become more independent and able to accept differences of others better. I have also learnt to work in a team and cooperate with people,whether I like them or not.

Currently, I am in AJ's track team and I am training hard for the upcoming competition next Saturday. I am pessimistic of getting at least a 5th in the race as my seniors are competing and I am not ready to race,be it mentally or physically. However, I am sure this will be a great learning experience for me and I will do my best for the race.

Personally, I am an extrovert and I love being around people. I may be blunt at times but this has not stopped me from cracking jokes at the expense of others. This is certainly not something good and I am trying to change it. I like making friends as well but I will continue to cling on to friendships that developed in the past.

All in all,I am an easy-going person and like me or not, I will still be who I am.