Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, already the world’s highest-paid political leader, is set to receive a major increase in his annual pay package as the government raises salaries for ministers and other office holders.
Wong’s annual package will rise from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million, an increase of more than 60%. The rise amounts to about S$1.4 million, or $1.1 million, annually. Wong has said he will donate the additional income to charity over the next five years.
The government says higher salaries are needed to attract capable people to political office and have previously argued that generous pay can help discourage corruption.
However, the decision has faced criticism amid concerns over job security and the rising cost of living. Singapore’s median monthly income is S$5,775.
Wong said attracting experienced business leaders and senior civil servants into politics remains difficult. He argued that the new structure would reduce the financial barrier for people considering a move into public service.
Under the revised scheme, ministers’ base pay will rise from about S$1.1 million to S$1.2 million, with performance-linked payments potentially taking it to around S$1.35 million by the end of the government’s current term.
