Highest paid world leader to get salary increase of $1 million

What the report says

Singapore’s government has announced a pay increase for ministers and other office holders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who will remain the world’s highest paid political leader. According to the BBC report from Singapore, Wong’s annual salary will rise by about S$1.4 million to S$3.6 million, or roughly $2.8 million. He said he would donate the increase to charity over the next five years.

The government says the higher pay is intended to help attract capable people into politics and to reduce the risk of corruption. Wong argued that ministerial salaries need to be competitive enough to persuade senior business figures and top civil servants to give up more lucrative careers. Under the new structure, base ministerial pay will also rise, with some officials expected to earn more depending on performance and whether national targets are met.

The decision has drawn criticism in Singapore, where concerns about the cost of living, job security and retrenchments are already high. The BBC notes that ministerial pay has long been politically sensitive and has previously contributed to voter backlash against the ruling People’s Action Party. Singapore has also often pointed to its low corruption levels as evidence that high official salaries can be justified. The latest announcement has again sparked debate online, with supporters saying it helps ensure strong leadership and opponents calling it out of touch with public pressures.