His annual pay will rise by 1.4 million Singapore dollars (about $1.1 million), taking his total package to S$3.6 million ($2.8 million). This is more than 60 per cent higher than his current salary of S$2.2 million, already the highest among world leaders. Wong has reportedly said he will donate the extra pay to charity over the next five years.
The announcement has drawn criticism in Singapore, where citizens are worried about job security and rising living costs. The median monthly income in the country is S$5,775, far below ministerial salaries. Critics argue the gap between leaders and ordinary workers is too wide.
The government explained that higher salaries are meant to attract capable people into politics and reduce the risk of corruption. Ministers’ base pay will increase from about S$1.1 million to S$1.2 million, with performance based bonuses pushing most packages to around S$1.35 million by the end of the current term. These bonuses depend on national targets such as unemployment, income growth and GDP growth.
Globally, highWong’s pay is far above other leaders. Hong Kong’s chief executive earns about $719,000, Switzerland’s president about $606,000, the US president $400,000, and the British prime minister $230,000.
The ruling People’s Action Party has long faced questions about high ministerial pay. Supporters believe strong salaries help attract talent and keep politics clean, while opponents say the increases highlight inequality at a time when many people are struggling with everyday expenses.
