SINGAPORE — Singapore is set to revise the compensation framework for political office holders following an independent review, with the government saying the changes are intended to keep the system competitive while linking future adjustments more closely to performance.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government would accept the recommendations of the independent committee that reviewed political salaries. Existing political office holders will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% from October 15, depending on individual circumstances, including performance.

The government said subsequent salary adjustments will be based on individual performance and responsibilities rather than automatically applying the same increase across all political positions.

The revised framework is designed to ensure Singapore can continue attracting capable people to public leadership while maintaining a compensation system that reflects changing economic conditions.

Wong acknowledged that political salaries remain a sensitive subject because the amounts involved are considerably higher than what most Singaporeans earn. He said the issue should be considered in the context of maintaining strong and effective leadership.

Under the new framework, the Prime Minister’s annual compensation is expected to rise substantially once the revised structure is fully implemented. Junior ministers will also have a higher potential salary ceiling, with actual compensation depending on responsibilities and performance.

The government has defended its approach by pointing to Singapore’s long-standing policy of using private-sector earnings among high-income Singaporeans as a reference when determining political salaries.

The previous major adjustment came in 2012, when political salaries were reduced following strong public concern. A later review in 2017 did not result in an increase, while another review scheduled for 2023 was postponed amid economic uncertainty.

Wong said he understood why citizens would scrutinise the changes closely. He has also pledged to donate his additional income to charity for five years.

The issue is expected to receive further parliamentary discussion as lawmakers examine the recommendations and their implications for Singapore’s political leadership system.

The government argues that competitive remuneration helps attract experienced professionals to public service and reduces incentives for corruption.

The salary debate comes at a time when Singapore is also facing wider economic and social challenges, including rising living costs and an increasingly competitive global environment.

The revised system is intended to provide a more flexible structure in which remuneration can better reflect responsibilities and individual performance.

Singapore’s government believes the changes will help maintain a strong leadership pipeline while providing greater accountability over future salary increases.