As you mentioned, political leaders have massive responsibilities. As such, it requires tremendous effort and leadership to carry them out to the best of their abilities. It is only fitting that these political leaders are rewarded for their work and this comes in the form of a high pay (in Singapore's context).

Fortunately for us, the Singapore government is among the world's top five least corrupt governments. In my opinion, a higher paycheck is merely one of a contributing factor to this achievement and not the best tool to eliminate corruption. If eliminating corruption is to be as easy as rewarding political leaders with an exorbitant paycheck, corruption would not be a perennial issue in today's world. I agree that the high pay will attract the cream of the crop to the public service and ensure they sustain and efficient and growing economy without corruption but conversely, with high pay, there also lies a risk of political leaders/governments to carry out their jobs with the minimum amount of effort and still enjoy the pleasures of a high pay. That in itself, is also a form of corruption. Therefore i believe that high pay is not the best tool to eliminate corruption

Ramrod - to accomplish or put into action by force

In this context: The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau was formed without much approval. Therefore, i think, emphasizing how pragmatic Singapore is.