MP Allowances, Political Salaries Set To Rise From October, Sparking Online Debate

MPs' monthly allowances will rise from $13,750 to $18,500 from 15 Oct 2026, while political office-holders will receive a one-off salary adjustment of up to 9% - the first such adjustment in 15 years, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in Parliament on 8 Sep.

While doing so, he acknowledged that political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue, but said the issue cannot be avoided.

The announcement sparked debate online, with some netizens expressing dissatisfaction and questioning the rationale for the increase.

Allowances for Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) will also increase from 15% to 30% of an MP's annual allowance, translating to $5,550 a month. The allowance for Nominated MPs will remain pegged at 15%

Under the revised political salary framework, Wong's annual salary will rise from $2.2 million to $3.6 million, including bonuses. However, he announced that he will donate his entire salary increase to charity for the next five years.

The changes follow recommendations from an independent committee's 2026 review of political salaries.

Wong said MPs carry significant responsibilities both in Parliament and in their constituencies.

Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing said the increase takes into account inflation and is intended to ensure MPs are adequately supported in carrying out their duties.

In addition, Wong said higher political salaries would give Singapore a "better chance" of persuading capable Singaporeans to enter politics, adding that the gap between political and private-sector pay could make it harder to attract talent and renew Singapore's political leadership.

He acknowledged that private-sector candidates could earn several million dollars a year, well above revised political salaries, but said the Government was not seeking to match those salaries.

Singapore's political leaders are widely described as the highest-paid government leaders globally, particularly the PM.

Reuters reported that Singapore's political leaders receive the highest salaries globally, with the PM's salary previously at $2.2 million a year before the latest increase.

In comparison, Indonesia's President earns about Rp752.88 million (S$54,000) a year in salary and position allowance, while Malaysia's Prime Minister is entitled to a statutory salary of about RM273,920 (S$85,500) annually.