World’s highest paid political leader to receive $1.5m salary rise
The world’s most highly-paid political leader is defending a bumper pay rise awarded to himself and other top officials.
The Singapore government says from mid-October, the salary of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will jump by 64 per cent, from S$2.2 million ($2.4 million) to S$3.6 million ($3.9 million), reports Reuters. Other cabinet members also received health pay rises.
Anthony Albanese and Lawrence Wong. Nine
Even before his $1.5 million pay rise was announced, Wong was the world’s highest paid political leader by a big margin.
On September 8, he told the Singapore parliament attractive salaries were required for top officials to attract the best talent and deter corruption.
But Wong also told MPs the salaries of public officials were contentious.
The average monthly wage for a Singaporean worker in 2025 was S$5775 ($6324).
“Political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue. The sums involved are more than what most citizens earn.
The average monthly salary in Singapore is about $6324. Getty
“So I understand why Singaporeans scrutinise them closely, and why many feel strongly about the matter.”
Wong pledged MPs would have a full debate about the pay rises on September 10.
Singapore last changed ministerial salaries in 2012 when pay for cabinet members was slashed by 36 per cent in the face of public hostility about their performance.
The second-highest paid global political leader is Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, who brings home about $995,000.
The annual salary of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is about $622,050, while Opposition leader Angus Taylor earns about $442,634.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson earns about $340,000, according to the Australian Financial Review.
US President Donald Trump takes in $553,000 a year, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham earns $318,000.
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