Singaporean ministers are having a paycut in lieu of the economic slowdown. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore is getting a cut of 19%, which leaves him at USD$2 million per annum. This figure has been pegged to the biggest earners in 6 private sector professions since 1994.

Bloomberg compared the figure with other notable “Leader of Nations”:

1. U.S. President, George W. Bush - USD$719, 274
2. Hong Kong Chief Executive, Donald Tsang – USD$518, 040
3. British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown – USD$285, 915

Reference: “Singapore Prime Minister Lee to Take 19% Pay Cut Amid Slowdown“, Bloomberg.com 25th Nov 2008

I read this article and a thought came by with the following excerpt:

“Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has often defended civil-servant salaries, arguing in his autobiography “From Third World to First” that “underpaid ministers and public officials have ruined many governments in Asia.”

Does wealth serve as the main motivation for a country’s leader? The crux was combating corruption. Nobody can guarantee his non-corruption. Especially so, as a person get older. Right now, paying the top dollar may prove to be the solution. Is life really so pragmatic? Are principles so hard to live by? Is wealth the solution to most problems? That’s the thinktank that I am having now.

I am agreeable with the amount that is being paid to the Singapore Prime Minister. It works out to be less than SGD$1 per Singaporean Citizen per year. Afterall, he runs the country. Doesn’t sound ridiculous. But, I’ve heard many who find that the Prime Minister is earning too much. Take a look at my perspective. I think it is fair. Just happens that he makes more than what some people make in a lifetime.

I was thinking of how do we actually choose a country’s leader? Do we earmark him from young academically? Or we see who’s good every once in a while? In ancient times, it used to be the toughest and most courageous of men who became Kings. In the animal kingdom, the dominant male is usually the strongest. In humanity, what would be the key indicators that we look at? Character? Virtues? Principles? Performance? I am not too sure. Discuss with me if you think of something.

Alright, off to another country.

So which is which? It’s an Apple iPhone on the right. The other’s a Meizu M8. It’s will be released Q2, 2008. Uncanny resemblance, huh? Well, aesthetically, they are pretty much the same. Even the interface is similar. Meizu M8 runs on Windows CE6 and the iPhone runs on proprietory OS X. The iPhone is losing it’s steam in the market. It’s a pleasing gadget more than a functional one. I’m sure many iPhone fans would beg to differ but, seriously, if I really have nothing to do everyday, the iPhone would suit real fine. Sadly, I do. I do need my phone to keep my contacts, to churn out lists, to contain documents for meetings, information, follow ups & provide organization for them. O2 & Blackberry does that the way I prefer them to.

Anyway, I sidetracked a bit too far. What I wanted to say was, this Meizu Company is taking imitation a little too far.

“Imitation is the highest form of admiration.” – Anonymous

Meizu started in 2003. In China. They started out with MP3 Players and have moved on to the Mobile Phone market. Well, I’m sure imitation isn’t meant to be taken to such heights. The purpose of Patents and Copyright or even Creative Commons would have been non existent. China likes doing this, ain’t it? I have nothing against China, I think it’s a great country. However, the conduct of some companies are really not very correct.

Chinese culture goes a long way. 5000 years they would claim. I’m Chinese too. That’s my ethnicity. But I am Singaporean. =) China has brought out the best in men in the last 5000 years. Philosophers who have contributed to the good of man with their teachings (Confucius, Lao Zi and many others.), valiant men who serve as role models today (Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang, especially during the turbulent years of the Han Dynasty.) and many early concepts of mechanisms today (Gunpowder, Automated Guns and many innovations.).

Chinese are known for values and upbringing. Trust, Honesty, Filial Piety, Humility, Obedience, Self-restraint, Conscience. They cherish the family, honour hierarchical structure
of social life, promote the cultivation of morality & emphasize hard work and achievement. Where did all these go?

You don’t work hard on the drawing board and come up with something that is 95% similar to another product on the market. In the same way, you don’t name your brand as Sonu & sell electronics along side megabrands like Sony. Well, you can do that actually, if you are based in Delhi and you were named as Sonu when you are born (it’s a common name in India.). But, it’s intolerable to have a logo in the same fonts as Sony. Do you get what I mean?

Talent may be everywhere. Intelligent & creative people are everywhere. It’s just that, coincidence doesn’t work in the world of design.

Care for Levie’s Jeans, anyone? Who wants to write with my Mount Blanc Pen?

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Comments ( 1 Comment )

Actually, I don’t remember choosing our leader eh…don’t remember having the chance to. Thankfully, our leaders (whom I didn’t get the chance to choose) are not monsters who kidnap us as human sacrifice. haa….

PJ added these pithy words on Nov 27 08 at 2:25 pm

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