Singapore boosts PM’s salary by $1m amid major pay rise for ministers

The affluent city-state has justified high-end salaries for its political leaders, arguing they attract talent and ensure good governance

Singapore boosts PM’s salary by $1m amid major pay rise for ministers

TL;DR

  • Singapore government ministers will receive significant pay increases.
  • Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's annual salary will rise to S$3.6 million.
  • The pay increases are described as adding over 60% to existing ministerial salaries.
  • The government argues high salaries attract talent and ensure good governance.
  • The issue is politically sensitive due to the large gap between ministerial and ordinary citizen incomes.
  • Existing office holders will get a one-off adjustment of up to 9% from October 15.
  • The pay adjustments were recommended by an independent committee.
  • Singapore was last paid ministerial salaries 15 years ago.