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Why this politician is getting a 64% raise     https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/09/world/asia/singapore-minister-salary.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUQo0BwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHn1Ut9-ydz5BKZsriZWRUzR71ZTEE5GOz8JL6Jbo8L2Xe-1HFnup4nyuBAnf_aem_IdVOAsq6Wk-q3iHnTx-jgg   **Singapore’s political officeholders are receiving salary adjustments after a 15-year freeze, following an independent review committee’s recommendations that the government accepted with modifications for a gradual phase-in.**   The New York Times article (published September 9, 2026, by Max Kim) focuses on the announcement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. It notes that ministerial pay hikes will raise Wong’s annual salary by 64% to S$3.6 million (about US$2.85 million). Junior/entry-level ministers’ salaries move from the equivalent of about US$870,000 toward as much as US$1.4 million under the updated framework.   Key points from the NYT piece and supporting official/local reporting:   ### Context and Rationale Singapore, a resource-poor city-state, has long prioritized high-quality governance through strict rules and well-paid public servants, a principle associated with founding leader Lee Kuan Yew. High political salaries are framed as a way to attract top private-sector talent, deter corruption, and reflect competitive market rates (with a discount for public service). Singapore consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries globally.   Salaries had been stagnant since the 2011/2012 framework (last major change involved a ~36% cut amid public criticism that leaders were out of touch). An independent review was deferred in prior years due to geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The 2026 review (committee appointed December 2025, chaired by Gan Seow Kee) found the prior MR4 benchmark had fallen significantly behind the reference (median income of the top 1,000 Singaporean earners, with a 40% public-service discount).   Wong stated that competitive (but discounted) pay is needed because “highly able people have alternatives outside politics” and to help recruit the next generation of leaders. He acknowledged the issue is “difficult and emotive” given that the sums exceed most citizens’ earnings, especially amid cost-of-living concerns.   ### Specific Changes - **Benchmark (MR4 entry-level minister reference salary)**: Updated from S$1.1 million to S$1.8 million annually (includes fixed + variable components; roughly 65% fixed / 35% variable linked to individual performance and a National Bonus). This is *not* an automatic or immediate salary for every minister. - **Existing officeholders**: One-off adjustment of **up to 9%** from 15 October 2026, varying by individual circumstances (including performance and last adjustment date). An MR4 minister on S$1.1 million could rise to around S$1.2 million. No further special catch-up adjustments to reach S$1.8 million; future changes depend on performance/responsibilities. Most remaining MR4 ministers are expected to reach around the lower end of the new range (~S$1.35 million) by the end of the current term of government. - **Prime Minister**: Benchmark set at 2× MR4 → rises from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million. Wong will donate the full increase (about S$1.4 million per year) to charitable causes for the next five years (while he remains PM). This is his personal decision; he does not expect others to follow. - **Other senior roles** (approximate new benchmarks): Deputy PM to ~S$3 million (from ~S$1.8 million); President to ~S$2.5 million (from ~S$1.5 million); Speaker to S$900,000 (from S$550,000); Deputy Speaker to S$135,000. - **Structural refinements**: MR2 and MR3 grades combined into one (pegged at 1.3× MR4). Salary ranges widened (generally ±25%, or 75–125% of reference for ministers) for more flexibility by experience/career stage. Lower grades (mayors, senior parliamentary secretaries, parliamentary secretaries) also merged. “One person, one salary” principle retained even for multiple portfolios. - **MPs**: Monthly allowance rises from S$13,750 to S$18,500. NCMP and NMP allowances adjusted accordingly. - **National Bonus**: Targets updated/tightened (equal weighting on real median income growth, real income growth of the bottom 20th percentile, Singaporean unemployment rate, and real GDP growth). Potential future inclusion of a Quality of Life measure.   The overall cost is estimated at roughly S$5 million more annually for the max 9% political appointment holder adjustments plus about S$6.6 million for MPs.   ### Additional Notes Even before the raise, Singapore’s PM was already the world’s highest-paid public servant (far above the US president’s US$400,000). The framework emphasizes “clean wage” (transparent, no hidden perks), calibre, and commitment (the 40% discount).   The NYT article is relatively concise and centers on the principle of high pay for competence/anti-corruption, the 64% figure for the PM, talent-recruitment challenges, historical context (including the 2012 cut), public sensitivity, and Wong’s donation pledge. Local sources (Straits Times, CNA, PMO statements) provide the fuller technical details on grades, ranges, implementation timeline, and the gradual approach rather than an immediate jump to the new benchmark.   All figures are in Singapore dollars unless noted; conversions in the NYT piece use approximate contemporaneous rates. The changes take effect from 15 October 2026.

All politicians are greedy for money   WP is no different   But ask for a bit is ok but I think we are doling out cash to these people like money is not in fashion   I want to know which politician is not a millionaire now?

PAP act like money damn easy to make   Wait   It is easy for them. Just tax this and that   Huat r

the current promo is 26.50   I opted for 2 units of Asus BT10 for 21 per month. Seems like cheaper than buying it myself   All for 2 years contract.   All set for Oct 10 turn on and fark the VQ again