In the halls of power, we are often told of the "great sacrifice" made by individuals like K. Shanmugam—men who supposedly "gave up" millions in the private sector to serve the nation. But when you pull back the curtain, this narrative isn't just a stretch; it’s an insult to the working class.
1. The "Discounted" Millionaire
We are told to be grateful that ministers only take 60% of the median income of the top 1,000 earners.
The Reality: While the average Singaporean worries about the rising cost of living, a "sacrificing" minister pockets over $1.1 million a year.
The Comparison: Calling a million-dollar salary a "sacrifice" is a slap in the face to 99.9% of the population who will never see that kind of wealth in a lifetime. If service is "from the heart," why is the price tag so high?
2. Power Without the Risk
The private sector is a battlefield. CEOs and lawyers face the constant stress of demanding shareholders, fickle clients, and the threat of bankruptcy.
The Golden Bubble: A minister faces none of this. They have a monopoly on power, backed by an army of advisors and the bottomless pockets of the national treasury.
Zero Accountability: They can spend and implement policies without the "stress" of market competition. While a private sector leader loses their job if they fail, a minister is shielded by a system where "no one can generally oppose."
3. The Ultimate Ego Trip
A lawyer, no matter how prestigious, is still just a "hired gun" for the wealthy. A minister, however, plays God with the law.
The Architect of Control: As Law and Home Affairs Minister, Shanmugam doesn’t just follow the rules; he writes them. He controls the police, the internal security apparatus, and the very legal framework we live under.
Access to Everything: They enjoy "privileged information" and a global platform that money literally cannot buy. This isn't a trade-off; it’s the ultimate power trip.
4. Prestige vs. People
Let’s call it what it is: a fair trade—and then some. A private lawyer’s legacy ends at the firm’s door. A minister’s ego is etched into the history books at the taxpayer’s expense. To frame this as a "sacrifice" is a calculated PR move designed to make the most powerful men in the country look like martyrs.
The Verdict: Real sacrifice is the nurse working double shifts or the father working three jobs to pay rent. Taking a million-dollar salary to hold the levers of national power isn't a sacrifice—it's the highest form of privilege imaginable.
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