World's highest-paid PM just got a 60% raise—here's how much he earns

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a major revision to political salaries, with the benchmark annual pay for the country's prime minister set to rise by more than 60 per cent.

Wong told parliament on Tuesday that his benchmark salary will increase from Sg$2.2 million to Sg$3.6 million, or around Rs 27.05 crore. The revision will further widen the gap between Singapore's political salaries and those paid to leaders in many other countries.

Why is Singapore raising political salaries?

Singapore has defended its high salaries for political leaders as a way to attract capable people to government and maintain strong governance. The salaries were last reviewed around 15 years ago.

The issue, however, remains sensitive in a country where political leaders earn considerably more than most citizens.

"Political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue," said Wong. "The sums involved are more than what most citizens earn, so I understand why Singaporeans scrutinise them closely, and why many feel strongly about the matter."

Wong argued that the discussion ultimately concerns the quality of leadership Singapore needs in the future.

“Ultimately about whether Singapore will continue to have the quality of political leadership we need to take our country forward” in the decades ahead, adding, “Our starting point is this: good government depends on good leadership.”

Who is Lawrence Wong?

Wong, 53, is Singapore's fourth prime minister and heads the long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which holds a dominant position in parliament.

An economist by training, he studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the University of Michigan and Harvard University. Before entering politics in 2011, he worked as a civil servant in several ministries and served as Principal Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Wong later held the portfolios of Culture, Community and Youth, National Development and Education. He became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic while co-chairing Singapore's task force. He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 2022 and became prime minister later.

New salaries for ministers

The revised framework was recommended by an independent committee. The benchmark salary for the deputy prime minister will rise from Sg$1.87 million to Sg$3.06 million.

Cabinet ministers will earn between Sg$1.80 million and Sg$2.88 million, depending on seniority and portfolio responsibilities.

The increases will be phased in. Existing office holders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9 per cent from October 15, depending on individual circumstances, including performance.

Wong also said he would donate his entire salary increase to “suitable good causes” during his term.

“Any subsequent changes will be based on individual performance and responsibilities,” said Wong.