Singapore to Raise Ministerial Salaries After Panel Review
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong says government will adopt independent panel's recommendation for higher ministerial pay, with his salary rising to S$3.6 million.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Tuesday that his government has accepted the recommendations of an independent committee to significantly increase ministerial salaries. The city-state already pays its political leaders more than any other country, a policy aimed at attracting capable individuals to public service and ensuring clean, effective governance.
Under the revised pay structure, a junior minister will earn up to S$1.8 million (about US$1.42 million). Wong's own annual salary will rise to S$3.6 million (approximately US$2.85 million). The adjustments follow a review by the committee, whose proposals the government has now endorsed.
Speaking in parliament, Wong defended the pay hikes as necessary to maintain a competitive edge in drawing talent into politics, while stressing the importance of good governance. The move is likely to spark debate, but the government maintains that competitive compensation is vital for sustaining Singapore's high standards of public administration.