The world's most expensive leader will receive a raise of one and a half million dollars: "This is how we prevent corruption"

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a dramatic increase in ministerial salaries, expected to make them the highest-paid in the world. Wong's salary will rise from $1.74 million to $2.85 million per year, and ministers' salaries from $868,330 to up to $1.42 million. Wong justified the decision as necessary to attract talent from the private sector and prevent corruption.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a significant increase in ministerial salaries, expected to make them the highest-paid in the world. Wong's salary will rise from $1.74 million US dollars per year to $2.85 million, and ministers' salaries from $868,330 to up to $1.42 million. The raise will take effect on October 15. Wong justified the decision in a parliamentary speech as necessary to attract talented individuals from the private sector and maintain a clean government free of corruption by preventing temptations. He emphasized that Singapore chose to address the issue of compensation openly, without hidden salary components. Ministerial salaries in Singapore are already considered the highest in the world, higher than those of US President Donald Trump ($400,000) and the UK Prime Minister ($230,000). The last time ministerial salaries were changed was in 2012, when they were cut by 36% following public criticism. Wong noted that salaries in the private sector and public service have risen since then. The salary framework is determined by the median income of the top 1,000 earners, reduced by 40%. Some social media users called the decision "out of touch."

The world's most expensive leader will receive a raise of one and a half million dollars: "This is how we prevent corruption"