San Francisco Frontiers - Singapore's hefty ministerial pay hikes draw mixed feelings

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the salary increases in parliament on Tuesday, the first for ministers in 15 years. Wong's own benchmark paycheck is set to rise 64 percent to Sg$3.6 million ($2.8 million) a year.

Singapore's deputy prime minister and cabinet members also received substantial raises to what are already the world's highest ministerial salaries.

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 for fully employed residents, according to government figures.

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 told AFP.

A 32-year-old cybersecurity employee at the business district, who gave her name only as "Ms Ho", said she "honestly" thought the increases were fair.

"They are basically the CEOs of the political world," she told AFP.

Others were more guarded.

The increases are "very steep", said a 26-year-old information technology consultant, who only wanted to be identified by his surname Hussain.

"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.

Another employee, who gave her nickname as "Ami", questioned the basis for the pay raise.

"Do we have any way to see the tangible outputs of what he (Wong) is doing to justify the salary increase?," the 23-year-old asked.

She said Wong handled Singapore's Covid-19 crisis well.

"But is it justified for that kind of increase? I guess that's the question," she said.

Some were surprised at the ministers' salaries, though they knew they were being paid more than other world leaders.

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 told AFP.

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.

The affluent city-state has justified high-end salaries for its political leaders, arguing they attract talent and ensure good governance.

A.Evans--SFF