Junior ministers in world's second-richest country won't immediately get $1.4M salary
Singapore has clarified that entry-level ministers will not immediately see their annual salaries rise from SGD1.1 million to SGD1.8 million (US$1.4 million) under a new pay framework.
The Singapore government recently announced plans to increase ministerial salaries, which are already among the highest in the world. Under the new system, the Prime Minister's salary will increase by 64% to SGD3.6 million per year, while other ministers will receive a one-time adjustment in October that can be up to 9% of their current salary.
This adjustment will vary based on factors such as performance and when the individual last received a salary increase. An entry-level minister currently earning SGD1.1 million could see their salary capped at around SGD1.2 million. Most entry-level ministers are expected to be at the lower end of the new salary range, earning about SGD1.35 million by the end of their term.
Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing clarified that SGD1.8 million, previously mentioned as the total ministerial salary, is merely a reference point under the revised salary framework and does not guarantee a salary for every minister. The increased salaries, while substantial, represent only a slight increase of 0.6% per annum over the past 15 years, according to Chan.
The government's decision to raise ministerial salaries is rooted in concerns about the quality of political leadership needed to take Singapore forward and serve its citizens well. Chan emphasized that the issue is not just about the money, but about building a system that can provide future generations with a strong team to lead the nation.
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