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. Singapore has justified high-end salaries for its political leaders, arguing they attract talent and ensure good governance.
The issue is nevertheless politically sensitive, with cabinet members’ income far exceeding that of most ordinary citizens. 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.
Cabinet ministers will get between S$1.8m and S$2.8m, depending on the seniority and weight of their portfolio. Wong said he would donate the entire increase of his salary to “suitable good causes” during his term. 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 said the pay raises were recommended by an independent committee, adding that existing office holders would not be moved immediately to the new benchmarks. They will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% from 15 October, depending on individual circumstances, including performance.
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