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Singapore’s ministers, already among the world’s highest-paid, are getting a raise for the first time in 15 years, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said, explaining that the government cannot attract top talent into politics if salaries remain unchanged.
Wong told Parliament on Tuesday that under a revised salary framework, the benchmark annual pay for a minister at the lowest grade will rise to 1.8 million Singapore dollars (€1.2 million), from Sg$1.1 million (€747,564). The prime minister’s benchmark salary will jump to Sg$3.6 million (€2.4 million) from Sg$2.2 million (€1.5 million), he said.
Ministers’ pay has long been politically sensitive in the city-state, especially amid cost-of-living concerns and a 2025 median gross monthly income of Sg$5,775 (€3924) for fully employed residents, according to government figures.
The increases were recommended by an independent committee.
Wong said, however, the ministers will not immediately get the full salary increases. They will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9 percent from October 15, depending on individual circumstances, including performance.
Wong also said he would donate his entire salary increase to charity for the next five years.
Mixed reactions among Singaporeans
Singaporeans expressed mixed reactions on Wednesday over hefty pay raises for political leaders, with some saying the demands of governing justified the bump while others questioned their scale and called for transparency.
May Goh, 69, a retiree from the semiconductor industry, said the ministers deserve the increases. “I think their responsibilities are very high. They are doing a good job so far compared to other countries,” she said.
A 32-year-old cybersecurity employee in the business district said she “honestly” thought the increases were fair. “They are basically the CEOs of the political world,” she said.
Others were more guarded. The increases are “very steep”, said a 26-year-old information technology consultant.
“When you see such a huge salary increase, it puts into perspective, like ‘wow that’s quite a lot’. We don’t even spend that much,” he said.
A 69-year-old retiree, while voicing support, said he wanted more transparency with the numbers.
“I wish they were a bit clearer and more transparent about these numbers, including bonuses,” he said.