The Singaporean government has announced a more than 60% increase in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's annual pay package, raising it from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million (about $2.8 million), according to a BBC report cited by Legit.ng. Wong has pledged to donate the entire increase to charity over the next five years.
Government defends pay rise as anti-corruption measure
The government argues that higher salaries are necessary to attract talented individuals to politics and to discourage corruption. Wong defended the increase, saying it would give him and future prime ministers a better chance of persuading capable Singaporeans to leave their careers and enter politics.
The decision has nevertheless drawn criticism amid concerns over job security, retrenchments, and the rising cost of living in Singapore.
Top five highest-paid political leaders
Legit.ng lists the five political leaders by annual pay, with Wong topping the list at $2.8 million, followed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee at $719,000, Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin at $606,000, US President Donald Trump at $400,000, and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at $230,000.
1. Lawrence Wong, Singapore – $2.8 million
Wong is the highest-paid political leader in the world, even before the latest increase takes effect. He currently receives an annual salary of S$2.2 million. Under the new arrangement, his annual pay package will rise to S$3.6 million, equivalent to about $2.8 million—an increase of more than 60%, with Wong receiving an additional S$1.4 million annually.
2. John Lee, Hong Kong – $719,000
John Lee, Hong Kong's Chief Executive, earns about $719,000 annually, ranking second among the leaders highlighted. His remuneration is significantly behind Wong's, whose new package will be almost four times higher.
3. Guy Parmelin, Switzerland – $606,000
Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin ranks third, earning about $606,000 a year. His annual pay is considerably lower than that of Wong and Lee.
4. Donald Trump, United States – $400,000
US President Donald Trump earns $400,000 annually, according to the figures in the BBC report. Despite leading the world's largest economy, Trump's salary is less than a sixth of Wong's new pay package.
5. Andy Burnham, United Kingdom – $230,000
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham earns $230,000 annually, according to the BBC report. His remuneration is lower than that of the other leaders listed above.
Nigerian president's salary compared
Legit.ng previously reported the annual basic salary for political, public, and judicial office holders in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's annual basic salary is N3.51 million, while Vice President Kashim Shettima earns N3.03 million annually, according to the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008. The Chief Justice of Nigeria earns the closest to President Tinubu, with a basic salary of N3.36 million annually.
