Highest paid world leader to get salary increase of $1 million

Singapore's government has announced a significant pay raise for its ministers and other office holders, with the prime minister Lawrence Wong receiving a $1.1 million increase. Wong, the highest paid political leader in the world, will see his annual salary rise from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million. The government believes this move is necessary to attract top talent and combat corruption.

However, the decision has drawn criticism in Singapore, where concerns about job security and the rising cost of living are prevalent. Despite the pay hike, Wong remains the highest paid world leader. US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham earn significantly less, at $400,000 and $230,000 respectively.

Wong acknowledged the controversy surrounding ministers' salaries, stating that they are much higher than the median monthly income of Singaporeans. He argued that the pay increase will make it easier to attract capable individuals to political office. The government's pay package for ministers is expected to reach around S$1.35 million by the end of the current term, based on performance indicators.

The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing it as "tone deaf" in the current economic climate.