Singapore PM Lawrence Wong Gets 60% Pay Raise to US$2.8M

Singapore's government announced salary increases for ministers including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is already the world's highest-paid political leader. Wong's annual pay will rise by 1.4 million Singapore dollars (US$1.1 million), a jump of more than 60%, bringing his total to 3.6 million Singapore dollars (US$2.8 million).

Wong said he will donate the entire increase to charitable organizations over the next five years. The government argues that high ministerial salaries attract top talent and deter corruption, though the move has drawn criticism in a city-state where the average monthly income is 5,775 Singapore dollars (US$4,559).

“We do not put an unnecessarily high financial obstacle for them to give up their careers and dedicate themselves to politics.”

Even before the raise, Wong earned far more than other world leaders. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee makes about US$719,000, Swiss President Guy Parmelin US$606,000, U.S. President Donald Trump US$400,000, and U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham US$230,000.

Wong acknowledged the scrutiny over the pay gap but said he has struggled to persuade business leaders and senior civil servants to enter politics. The government cannot match private-sector earnings but aims to avoid placing an "unnecessarily high" financial barrier on those considering public service.