We don't need any SM, MM, ESM to milk our country dry, nor stifle the future prime minister to push forward new reforms to meet changing needs… Are these roles needed? Why are we paying so much of tax-payers' money? Won't they cramp the style of the new PM & his team? With public awareness of the FULL PRICE THAT WE PAY to these positions, hopefully this practice can be put to a stop. OR at least make these position-holders do it for FREE because they want to "give back to society"’.
The above is written by a blogger called Thai Laksa.
Thai Laksa has a point. These positions were legacies of a past
when LKY’s words and decisions were absolute and unchallenged. It is about time
that these vestiges of the past be relegated to history. They are redundant and
also very costly to the taxpayers. And in a way, their appointments could be a
hindrance to the PM who would have to look behind his back to see if he has the
approval of these elders. A confident and able PM does not need more guardians
and neither would he want to be chaperoned and be looking like an apprentice on
the job.
For the elders who want to serve, since they are so wealthy, do
it for free is not too much to ask for. They have been paid very well while in
active service and it is time to return their precious time and wisdom for the
good of the people. By the way, they are still being paid a handsome pension
that is many times the pay of Obama, the pay of an American President on the
job.
Not to worry about being accused of corruption when working for
free. According to Vivian’s definition, a wealthy person working for free is
definitely not corrupt.
What do you think?