S'pore a safe & clean country: Commenters justify PM Wong's pay on BBC video comparing it to other world leaders'

A number of online users have shared their opinions on the Singapore government's decision to increase political salaries following a report by British broadcaster BBC.

A video posted on BBC News' Instagram page on Sep. 8, was headlined "Highest paid world leader to get salary increase of $1 million", making a reference to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's increment.

The video stated that PM Wong's annual salary, currently about S$2.2 million, makes him the highest paid leader in the world.

The host added that following this, he will receive an increase of US$1.1 million (S$1.4 million), rounding off his pay to S$3.6 million.

The new benchmark salaries will kick in immediately for the President, PM, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and MPs.

But for other political appointment holders, the proposed adjustments will not be immediately implemented in one step.

The video also compared PM Wong's salary to that of other world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly earns about US$400,000 (S$505,504) per year.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, meanwhile, makes about US$230,000 (S$290,665) annually.

PM Wong also announced that he would be donating the full increase of his salary, around S$1.4 million each year, to "suitable good causes" for the next five years.

Netizens on pay increment

This is the first time in 15 years the salary norms for political appointment holders is being updated.

Some social media users took to the comments section to voice their support for the pay increment and PM Wong's high salary.

Some said they were Singaporeans.

Others also spoke up.

Some also claimed that the comparison with other world leaders was flawed.

Salary increase

It was announced in parliament on Sep. 8 that the salaries of political appointment holders and members of parliament will be increased following the government's acceptance of an independent review committee's recommendations to raise ministerial salaries.

The increment will be made in line with benchmarks, and the reference annual salary for an MR4 minister will be updated from the existing S$1.1 million to S$1.8 million.

This increase represents a 3.6 per cent annual growth rate since 2011, when ministerial salaries were last adjusted.

However, the proposed adjustments will not be implemented immediately in one step.

More immediately, existing political officeholders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9 per cent from Oct. 15, 2026.

PM Wong said that the same increase will not automatically apply to everyone, as it will depend on individual circumstances, including performance and when their salary was last adjusted.

He explained that ministerial salaries have fallen behind as salaries in other sectors have increased, including those in the private sector, civil service and judiciary.

The increment is also meant to encourage capable Singaporeans to step into political office, he added.