Lawrence Wong to Receive 64% Salary Increase as Singapore Adjusts Ministerial Pay for First Time in 15 Years

Singapore's prime minister, Lawrence Wong, will receive a 64% salary increase starting October 15. His annual pay will rise from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million, making him one of the world's highest-paid elected leaders. The administration announced that these revisions are the first in 15 years, following an independent committee's recommendation to benchmark political salaries against the median income of the country's top 1,000 corporate earners. Lawrence Wong stated that the high salaries are necessary to attract capable talent from the private sector to public service. He pledged to donate his entire salary increase to charitable causes for the next five years. While the pay jump is significant, the administration noted that existing ministers will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% based on performance and individual circumstances. The government justified the high compensation as a measure to deter corruption and ensure quality leadership. Lawrence Wong acknowledged that the sums are more than what most citizens earn, but emphasized that maintaining an updated system is necessary for the country's future leadership.

Sources

• Fox Business
  Singapore PM salary set to rise to $2.85M under political pay overhaul
• CNBC
  The world's highest paid leader is set for a 64% pay rise. Here's how others compare
• The Guardian
  Singapore boosts PM’s salary by $1m amid major pay rise for ministers
• CNN
  The world’s best-paid politician is getting a $1 million pay rise

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• The New York Times
  Singapore’s Prime Minister Gets a Big Raise