I've heard it said that paying public servants well is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for avoiding corruption (this was as applied to Singapore). You don't want people trading power for money, and when you consider how much economic damage a corrupt person in a position of power can do, paying them well is really cheap.
Of course, it is best to couple the good pay with severe penalties for abusing power.
Of course, it is best to couple the good pay with severe penalties for abusing power.