I am really worried about the billions of dollars that are being spent on our public works and military hardware.
In many countries, these large expenditures, usually done in secrecy, have given oopporutnities for corruption, bribery and kickbacks.
During the time of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, we know that the CPIB is active in investigating and prosecuting public officers who acted corruptly. LKY himself would not tolerate any corrupt practice, even among his ministers, and for small amounts.
But I worry that we do not have the same standard of vigilence and integrity today.
I want to share this story.
The chief of public works of country X met the minister of public works of country Y at a 4 weeks management training program. They become good friends.
A year later, the minister visited the chief in country X. He was surprised to be hosted in the luxurious home of the chief as his official salary is quite modest. The minister asked - how are you able to afford this expensive home?
The chief said - can you see the highway a few miles in that distance? Well, 10% of the cost of the highway pays for this luxurious home.
The following year, he visited the minister in country Y. The chief was surprised that the minister had an even more grandious palace.
He asked the minister - how are you able to afford his grandious palace?
The minister said - can you see the highway in the distance? The chief replied - I can't see any highway. The minister said - well, the money for the highway goes to build this grandious palace.
Tan Kin Lian
In many countries, these large expenditures, usually done in secrecy, have given oopporutnities for corruption, bribery and kickbacks.
During the time of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, we know that the CPIB is active in investigating and prosecuting public officers who acted corruptly. LKY himself would not tolerate any corrupt practice, even among his ministers, and for small amounts.
But I worry that we do not have the same standard of vigilence and integrity today.
I want to share this story.
The chief of public works of country X met the minister of public works of country Y at a 4 weeks management training program. They become good friends.
A year later, the minister visited the chief in country X. He was surprised to be hosted in the luxurious home of the chief as his official salary is quite modest. The minister asked - how are you able to afford this expensive home?
The chief said - can you see the highway a few miles in that distance? Well, 10% of the cost of the highway pays for this luxurious home.
The following year, he visited the minister in country Y. The chief was surprised that the minister had an even more grandious palace.
He asked the minister - how are you able to afford his grandious palace?
The minister said - can you see the highway in the distance? The chief replied - I can't see any highway. The minister said - well, the money for the highway goes to build this grandious palace.
Tan Kin Lian
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