Responding to queries on the ministerial pay review, SMU Assistant Professor for Law, Eugene Tan, said that the pay reduction resonates with the people's appeal, and for that he is heartened. He said that after the pay is adjusted, a new political scene will emerge; to a certain extent some talents may choose the private sector over politics. However, from another aspect, there will also be those who are determined to serve the people, and will not be motivated by high wages alone. Eugene Tan noted that pay review is never easy to execute ? if the amount is too low, it will affect the quality of talents entering politics, if it is too high, there will be a political cost. He felt that we should spend more efforts to nurture a next generation of citizens who would have a strong sense of public service.
Shin Min Daily News