SINGAPORE — On January 10, Hazel Poa, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), raised several key questions in Parliament about the next review of political salaries. She asked if a committee had been appointed to undertake the five-yearly review of political salaries and, if not, when such a committee might be established, and what the terms of reference would be.

Poa’s inquiries follow the last committee review in 2017, which was tasked with evaluating the salary framework for political appointees. She also requested information on when the public might expect the committee’s report if it has already been formed.

In response, Education Minister and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, confirmed that the next review is planned for 2023, with further details to be provided in the near future. He referred to the 2012 White Paper on Salaries for a Capable and Committed Government, which established that political salaries should be reviewed by an independent committee every five years.

Mr. Chan further elaborated that the government had previously responded to the 2018 recommendations, which concluded that the existing salary framework was still relevant. The committee at that time proposed adjusting political salaries in line with updated benchmarks, though the government chose not to implement these changes due to the economic climate. It was noted then that another review would occur after five years, or when necessary.

According to the Public Service Division (PSD), as of this year, a minister’s monthly salary stands at S$55,000, amounting to an annual total of S$1.1 million. The PSD also clarified that adjustments to political salaries would be based on market conditions and benchmark movements.

The topic of political salaries has stirred debate among netizens, with many sharing their views in response to a CNA report on the matter.