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

Singapore's government has announced a significant increase in the salaries of its ministers and other political office holders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is currently the highest-paid political leader globally. Wong's annual pay package will rise by 1.4 million Singapore dollars ($1.1 million; £818,000), bringing his total salary to $3.6 million from $2.2 million. This represents a more than 60 percent increase. Wong stated he will donate the entire amount of the pay raise to charity over the next five years. The government argues that increasing ministers' salaries is essential to attract qualified individuals into politics. Wong explained that convincing business leaders and senior civil servants to pursue political careers has proven challenging due to the disparity in earnings. He emphasized that the goal is to reduce the financial barrier for potential candidates entering public service. Despite the government's rationale, the decision has drawn criticism within Singapore, where concerns about job security and the rising cost of living are prevalent. The median monthly income in Singapore stands at 5,775 Singapore dollars, significantly lower than the salaries of top officials. Critics argue that the pay raise is tone-deaf given recent economic challenges, including record-high retrenchments and inflation pressures. The move places Wong firmly at the top of global political earnings, ahead of Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who earns approximately $719,000 annually, and Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who makes about $606,000. In comparison, U.S. President Donald Trump earns $400,000 a year, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham receives $230,000. Wong acknowledged the controversy surrounding the increased salaries, noting that they have long been a point of contention for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). A notable instance occurred in 2011, when the party suffered its lowest vote share in decades, partially attributed to voter dissatisfaction with ministerial pay and immigration policies. In response, the government reduced ministers' salaries in the subsequent year. The government maintains that its high salaries for ministers help prevent corruption, citing Singapore's consistent ranking near the top of Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. However, the issue remains contentious among the populace, particularly given the current economic climate. According to the Financial Times, the pay raise for Singapore's top officials occurs despite public disapproval. Meanwhile, the Straits Times reported that Wong plans to donate his full salary increase to charity for the next five years, a gesture reminiscent of his predecessor, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who made similar commitments in 2007. The South China Morning Post noted that the increase in ministerial salaries aligns with recommendations from an independent committee. Entry-level ministerial salaries will rise to $1.8 million from $1.1 million, while the prime minister's salary will increase to $3.6 million from $2.2 million. Wong emphasized that he would not expect other political office holders to follow his lead in donating their salary increases to charity.