09/09/2026
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) strongly opposes the Government’s decision to increase, yet again, the salaries of political office-holders.
At a time when many Singaporeans are struggling with rising costs, job insecurity and economic uncertainty, it is deeply insensitive for ministers—already the highest-paid politicians in the world—to award themselves even more.
Amidst rising youth unemployment and retrenchment figures, households continue to grapple with the accumulated increases in housing, food, healthcare, transport and other necessities.
The Government even acknowledges significant external uncertainties and that long-term growth will be slower than in the past. For Ministers to further enrich themselves while telling Singaporeans to tighten their belts is callousness of the highest order.
The Government’s justification that Ministers must be paid more to attract and retain “talent” is equally unconvincing. Singapore has no shortage of capable people prepared to serve the public.
They choose not to step forward because they refuse to serve in an administration that is both undemocratic and misguided by material wealth, not because of the pay.
Nor should we accept the argument that exorbitant salaries are necessary to prevent corruption. The case of former Transport Minister S. Iswaran reinforces the importance of transparency, independent oversight, and accountability.
Integrity cannot be bought and public service should never come with a price tag of millions. Strong institutions, transparency, independent oversight and accountability—not enormous pay cheques—are the proper safeguards against corruption.
The SDP advocates a fundamentally different approach to political remuneration. Our paper “Ethical Salaries for a Public Service-Centred Government” published in 2011 (available here: https://policy.yoursdp.org/Ministerial-Salaries), proposes that political salaries be pegged to the incomes of ordinary Singaporeans.
Our principle is simple as it is essential: those who govern Singapore should not live in a different Singapore from those they govern.
Furthermore, PM Wong’s decision to donate his own salary increase to charity does not address the fundamental issue, which is not whether Mr Wong keeps the money, but whether Singaporeans should be asked to finance an excessive and self-serving salary framework in the first place.
At a time when families are counting their dollars, workers are worrying about their jobs and young Singaporeans are wondering whether they can afford a home and build a secure future, the Ministers have chosen to reward themselves.
Public service must never become self-service. The lack of the spirit of public service among PAP Ministers is ominous for the future of Singapore.
Bryan Lim
Vice Chairman
