Ministerial statement: Chan Chun Sing on government response to political salaries review

The review of salaries for political appointment holders and MPs is fundamentally about “giving ourselves a better chance to build a first-rate team to serve Singapore and Singaporeans”, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing. Detailing the key points in parliament on Tuesday (Sep 8), he pointed out that there will be inevitable questions on how much more these recommendations will cost the government. For illustrative purposes, they will amount to about S$5 million more annually if the maximum of nine per cent is applied to all political appointment holders, and about S$6.6 million more annually for all MPs. Mr Chan stressed that governing well means making clear-headed decisions for Singapore’s long-term interests which “may be uncomfortable today but necessary for tomorrow”. The review is less about the individuals of today who have already stepped forward to serve but is really about upholding a system that gives Singapore a better chance for the next generation of capable and committed Singaporeans to step forward, said Mr Chan. To give Members some time to consider the key points, he will move a motion for both ministerial statements to be considered by parliament on Sep 10.