gov.sg

Are Ministers really getting $1.8 million annually? #govsgexplains what the numbers surrounding the 2026 review of Singapore’s political salary framework really mean.

Why are political salaries being adjusted now and what is included in political officeholders' pay? We break down how the revised political salary framework is structured to build a strong team for Singapore.

How does Singapore’s socioeconomic outcomes affect ministerial salaries?

For one, the National Bonus – which forms part of the variable component in the annual salary package for political appointment holders – is tied to these indicators that matter to Singaporeans:
✅ Whether people have jobs;
✅ Whether incomes are growing, especially for those at the median- and lower-income percentiles; and
✅ Whether the economy is growing.

The Government will be adjusting the salaries of Political Appointment Holders (PAHs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) from 15 October 2026. This will be the first adjustment since 2011.

Key highlights:
✅ Existing PAHs will receive a one-off adjustment of up to 9% after 15 years. Any subsequent changes will be based on individual performance and responsibilities.
✅ Salary ranges for PAHs will be widened – this will allow the Prime Minister to cater for people joining political service from different backgrounds and at different stages of their careers.
✅ National Bonus indicators will be updated with tightened targets for socioeconomic indicators such as unemployment rate and real income growth rate for P50 and P20 Singapore citizens; GDP growth targets will also be updated.

These changes, among others, will strengthen the chances of the Government to build a strong team for Singapore, with capable Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds.

➡️ Read more: https://go.gov.sg/psal-framework