Chan Chun Sing: Money must not be primary motivation for entering political service

Minister for Defence and Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing set out the details of the government’s response to the 2026 Salary Review Committee’s report.

Chan, echoing PM Wong's earlier statement, said the review is fundamentally about giving them a better chance to build a "first-rate team" to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.

He noted the need for the salary framework to stay updated so that capable and committed people from different backgrounds, and at different stages of life, can step forward to serve.

He said this cannot just be the "financially independent" ones or those who have made "exceptional lifestyle" choices.

Chan said this pool should include younger Singaporeans, in their 30s and 40s, who may still be building their careers, or raising families, and taking on major financial commitments.

He said the government wants such people to be able to enter public office in their prime with the energy and runway to build up the relevant experience and judgment, to make tough decisions and also to bond and build up trust with Singaporeans to "take Singapore forward".

While he said the salary review was not meant to match the salaries of some CEOs of major Singapore companies, "nor should we", they could not pretend that such opportunity costs do not exist.

So we want to be able to say to capable Singaporeans, “Singapore needs you, and while political service involves sacrifice, it will not come at an unreasonable cost to you and your family”.

Chan, however, emphasised that money must not be the primary motivation for anyone who enters political service.

He said that if money is the main reason for wanting to be a Minister, "frankly, you are not the person we are looking for".

"We will never be able to match the pay of all the people we hope to get. On the other hand, no matter how much we pay, some will never join for various reasons."

Chan noted that due to various decisions, like the holding back of review in 2013, political salaries have been frozen for the past 15 years.

Chan also touched on the details of what these increases will entail, and how and when it will be implemented.

You can read more about the changes here.