Singapore PM Lawrence Wong Set for Major Salary Hike

Singapore is set to significantly increase the salaries of its political leaders, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s annual remuneration expected to rise from around ₹16.5 crore to ₹27 crore. The proposed revision represents an increase of more than 60%. The salaries of the deputy prime minister and cabinet ministers will also be revised, with the final amounts depending on seniority and the importance of their portfolios. Even after the increase, Singapore’s prime minister will continue to earn substantially more than the US president, whose annual salary is $400,000.

Explaining the rationale behind the move, Lawrence Wong told Parliament that competitive remuneration helps attract capable people to public service and enables the country to maintain good governance. He said he intends to donate the additional amount resulting from his own pay increase towards causes benefiting the public. The revised salaries will not take effect immediately and are expected to be implemented in phases based on performance, beginning October 15. Singapore continues to be regarded as one of the countries with relatively low levels of public-sector corruption.