High pay is just one effective way to curb corruption.

'In China, corruption is the common link between state-owned banks doling out billions of dollars to cronies; land grabs by local government officials; and the negligence that killed 40 people in a high-speed rail crash last July. If Beijing paid higher salaries, it might reduce the incidence of graft and rent-seeking that aggravates the lopsidedness of China's development.'

With that, it can be seen that lowly paid officials in china has tempted them to engage in corruption as they feel that they are not receiving enough incentive for the work they do and the heavy responsibilities they have to shoulder. To get the money they think they deserve, they hence engage in corruption. It can then be reasonable to say that if these officials are paid more, the amount they are satisfied with, they will serve the country better and without engaging in corrupt practices.

However, it can be argued that corruption can never be eliminated, even with high pay. An example of kenya, where the members of parliament receive high pay but corruption still exist. The Kenyan government has also admitted it could be losing nearly one-third of the national budget to corruption.

Also, the society ,the social upbringing, the culture and a general greed also plays a critical role in influencing a timid mind. Therefore, high pay may be be a more effective tool to prevent corruption but it is not the best tool to eliminate corruption. Corruption can never be eliminated as there are always people who are greedy and will never be satisfied.

Graft: Unscrupulous use of one's position to derive profit or advantages; extortion.

In this context: Singapore's ministers are paid top salaries to prevent them from being tempted to engage in corruption.