Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced that he will donate the full increase in his salary arising from the revised political salary framework, assuming he remains Prime Minister for the next five years, as reported on the official website of Prime Minister of Singapore.
The Government has accepted the recommendations of an independent committee reviewing political salaries, with the revised framework taking effect from 15 October 2026.
The Prime Minister’s salary is set at twice the benchmark for an MR4 minister. Under the revised framework, that benchmark will rise from S$1.1 million to S$1.8 million, taking Wong’s annual salary from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million.
“I have decided that, for the next five years – assuming I remain PM – I will donate the full increase in my salary arising from this adjustment. The Government will continue to pay me the salary provided for under the framework, which is how our system works. I will then donate the increase to suitable good causes.”
‘I do not expect other officeholders to do the same’
Wong said the decision was personal and stressed that he was not asking other political officeholders to follow suit.
“This is my own decision. I do not expect other officeholders to do the same.”
He added that he generally does not believe in making a public show of charitable giving. However, as Prime Minister, he said he carries ultimate responsibility for the political salary framework and wanted to explain how he would personally handle the increase.
“At the end of the five years, I will review the position afresh, taking into account the circumstances at that time.”
Salary review follows 15-year freeze
“It is not just about what we pay Ministers today. It is about whether future Prime Ministers will continue to have a realistic chance of persuading capable Singaporeans – from the public service, the private sector and other walks of life – to persuade them to step forward and build a first-rate team to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.”
The Government’s decision follows 15 years without changes to the salary norms for political officeholders. Wong said political salaries had fallen further behind private-sector and senior public-service pay during that period.
The Government has opted not to implement the revised salary benchmarks immediately. Instead, existing political officeholders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9%, depending on individual circumstances, including performance.
Wong defended the broader salary framework as necessary to ensure Singapore can continue to attract capable people into political leadership.