The adjustment to political salaries enables Singapore to continue attracting capable people into politics, which, in turn, provides the quality of Government Singapore deserves, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Taking to social media on Thursday (Sept 10) after MPs debated the Government's decision to accept the new benchmark level for political salaries recommended by an independent committee, SM Lee explained why public sector salaries must be kept realistic.
"By keeping civil service and political salaries realistic, we have been able to build a high quality civil service, and assemble a strong and capable team of ministers to serve Singapore well."
He added that if public sector salaries are allowed to "fall out of line", then the quality of the administration and political leadership will decline slowly, but irreversibly.
Common ground between PAP, WP
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also took to social media to share his reflections on the debate.
He noted that while there were different views on the formula for ministerial salaries, which the Government will continue to study, there was ultimately broad agreement on the changes to be made in this term of Government.
This includes raising the benchmark salary for a minister at the MR4 grade — the lowest of four tiers — from $1.1 million to $1.8 million.
The norm annual ministerial wage has remained at $1.1 million since 2011.
But ministerial salaries will not move immediately to the new benchmarks.
Instead, a one-off adjustment of up to 9 per cent will apply, with subsequent performance-based increases to around $1.35 million by the end of this term of Government.
Thereafter, there will be no further special adjustments to close the gap to $1.8 million.
Subsequent changes, if any, will be based on individual performance and responsibilities.
The prime minister said that this common ground matters as it reflects a shared recognition that Singapore needs a salary framework that can sustain a strong political leadership team, while preserving the ethos of public service.
He also reiterated that higher pay is not being used as an incentive to attract people into politics; but rather, ensuring that those who would have successful careers outside government and financial commitments to their families — to not bear an unnecessarily high burden when they enter politics.
Consensus for Singapore's future
"The consensus today gives us confidence to sustain a political system that enables capable Singaporeans to serve with commitment and purpose."
PM Wong, who has pledged to donate the full increase in his salary to suitable good causes, also highlighted that the political salaries adjustment is not about him, the present leaders, or even the People's Action Party Government.
"Whoever governs Singapore will face the same challenge — to assemble the strongest possible team for our country.
"We have a responsibility to keep that path open, so that Singapore can continue to be well led, not just today, but for generations to come," he explained.
This "substantial consensus" was also noted by SM Lee, who urged Singaporeans to continue supporting realistic and practical policies that will help keep Singapore exceptional for many years to come.
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