News: The Straits Times - 9 November 2009
S'pore's future depends on leaders' mettle
MINISTER Mentor Lee Kuan Yew yesterday hit out at critics of People's Action Party politicians, reiterating that the Singapore system works precisely because the ruling party takes great care when choosing its candidates, including some who forgo high-paying careers to become ministers.
To drive home his point, he pointed to the examples of Law Minister K. Shanmugam, an MP of Sembawang GRC, and Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Indranee Rajah.
Ms Indranee is a lawyer with one of Singapore's top legal firms, just as Mr Shanmugam was before he became an office-bearer last year.
Mr Shanmugam, Mr Lee said, could make $6 million a year while in private practice, but now makes $1.5 million a year as a minister.
'(Opposition MP) Low Thia Khiang says, 'Oh, so much money.' I tell you honestly, if I am not a minister, I myself could make two or three times what I am making now. Every time I talk to foreign companies, they offer me $100,000. What do I do with the money? I give it (away) for scholarships, donate to it schools,' he added.
Likewise, it was hard to find an MP like Ms Indranee - well-educated, earning a good living, but who yet took the time to nurture her constituency and push residents' interests and help improve their living conditions.
Mr Lee was speaking during a Tanjong Pagar GRC tree planting event.
In his remarks, he reiterated a point made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a week ago, that the PAP would have a new generation of leaders in place by the next general election, which must be held by February 2012.
Said MM Lee yesterday: 'By the next election, you will see the nucleus of a new generation (of leaders) - as able, as determined, and as committed, integrity and capabilities beyond doubt. That way we keep Singapore healthy, strong and at peace.'
He added that although Singapore's population is small, it has ministers who can talk to their counterparts in the United States and China as equals.
Stressing the importance of having leaders of high calibre, he said: 'Remember, it's not an election campaign. It's real life.'
- end of ST article