By TK Chua
Earlier, I read that Tony Pua, the MP for Damansara, and Ong Kian Ming, the deputy international trade and industry minister, had volunteered to work for free as the finance minister’s special officers. Now I read that Sitpah Selvaratnam has also volunteered to work pro bono as a lawyer representing 1MDB and Putrajaya to claim the Equanimity.
These are very capable and talented people who are willing to sacrifice their time, knowledge and skills to serve the nation and its people. Compared with those who committed corruption and abuse of power during their time in public office, I must say that they stand out as true Malaysians worthy of our praise and admiration.
Be that as it may, I would prefer that these volunteers are adequately paid for their services and contributions. If they are able to do a good job, I believe no amount of compensation would be too high. No matter how much they are paid, the amount cannot be higher than the cost of squandering and malfeasance we see today.
Have we ever wondered how much of our nation’s energy, time, resources and attention has been squandered chasing after 1MDB, superyachts, jewellery, handbags and “investments” stretching from the Caymans, Hong Kong and Luxembourg to the US, Switzerland and the Middle East?
The cost of rogue leaders is enormous. So if we have good and capable leaders, we must try to pay them well. They may want to work for free, but we should insist on paying them according to the market rate.
Adequate compensation is an acknowledgement of the important jobs performed. It is also an indication of the heavy responsibility shouldered. When someone works for free, it is difficult to hold him or her to account.
If the person managing a company is paid millions, why can’t a public official doing an important job be paid more than a pittance? Some may be altruistic and willing to serve, but do we want others to sacrifice unreservedly for us?
TK Chua is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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