Covid-19: S'pore President, Political Office Holders & MPs to take 1-month pay cut

Meanwhile, frontline healthcare workers will get a one-month bonus.

Jeanette Tan | Mandy How | February 28, 2020, 12:42 PM

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As a show of solidarity with fellow Singaporeans, all of Singapore's political office holders will take a one-month cut in salary.

This was announced by Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Feb. 28, in his wrap-up speech for Budget 2020.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are included in the measure, while President Halimah Yacob has also expressed to Heng that she will join him to take a one-month cut.

Some senior public service officers will also be taking a half-month cut.

Frontline officers to get up to one-month bonus

In addition, DPM Heng announced that public health officers on the frontlines will get up to one additional month of bonus for their efforts in fighting the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in Singapore.

This will include many healthcare officers at the Ministry of Health, the restructured hospitals, as well as some officers at other frontline agencies who have been directly involved in battling Covid-19.

According to Heng, this is a "tangible" way for the government to show their appreciation.

Other public officers who have contributed significantly will be recognised in appropriate ways, Heng added.

Public Health Preparedness (PHP) clinics will also receive a one-off Covid-19 grant, to support them in their active role of caring for patients with respiratory symptoms.

"This gesture, plus the many words of encouragement and acts of consideration and kindness is our way to express to you we salute you," Heng said.

Top image via Gov.sg video