- Singapore’s prime minister has been given a $1m pay rise as the affluent city-state announced a dramatic one-off salary boost for government ministers.
- The pay increases add more than 60% to what are already the world’s highest ministerial salaries.
- Prime minister Lawrence Wong’s benchmark annual salary will rise from S$2.2m ($1.7m) to S$3.6m ($2.8m).
- The deputy prime minister’s benchmark will lift from S$1.8m to S$3m, while cabinet ministers will get between S$1.8m and S$2.8m, depending on seniority and portfolio weight.
- Wong said he would donate the entire increase of his salary to “suitable good causes” during his term.
- The South-east Asian nation, which last adjusted ministerial salaries 15 years ago, is regularly ranked among the world’s least corrupt countries; Wong said the raises were recommended by an independent committee, and existing office holders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% from 15 October.
- Even before the raise, the Singaporean prime minister’s paycheck vastly outstripped the wages of many other leaders, including in the US and other G7 nations; the US president earns $400,000 a year, while the UK prime minister is paid about $230,000 annually.
- Wong acknowledged that “political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue” and that the sums are more than what most citizens earn, but said the issue is ultimately about whether Singapore will continue to have the quality of political leadership needed in the decades ahead.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has been awarded a $1 million pay rise, increasing his annual salary from S$2.2 million ($1.7 million) to S$3.6 million ($2.8 million). This adjustment is part of a broader salary increase for government ministers, which exceeds 60%, making them among the highest-paid globally.
The deputy prime minister's salary will also see a significant rise, from S$1.8 million to S$3 million, while cabinet ministers will earn between S$1.8 million and S$2.8 million, depending on their roles.45
Wong has committed to donating his entire salary increase to “suitable good causes”, acknowledging the public's concern over political salaries. He stated, “Political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue,”6
Despite the hefty paychecks, Wong emphasized the importance of maintaining quality political leadership for Singapore's future, stating, “the issue is ultimately about whether Singapore will continue to have the quality of political leadership we need to take our country forward.” The last adjustment to ministerial salaries occurred 15 years ago, and the recent changes were recommended by an independent committee. Current office holders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% based on individual performance starting from October 15.789121314
“The raise lifts Wong's benchmark salary from S$2.2m ($1.7m) to S$3.6m ($2.8m), while deputy PM and cabinet ministers see benchmarks rise to S$3m and up to S$2.8m respectively. Wong acknowledged 'political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue' but stressed the need for quality leadership.”
The Guardian
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