PLAN B #873: Are Singapore’s Ministers Worth the Higher Pay?

At a time when companies are freezing hiring and wage growth remains a concern, news that ministers are getting a pay increase is bound to raise eyebrows. But is it necessarily unjustified? It’s the first adjustment in 15 years, and Singapore has long been transparent about how political salaries are determined. PM Lawrence Wong has also raised concerns about getting more Singaporeans, including those from the private sector, to enter politics. So while the pay hike may be hard to swallow, perhaps the bigger question is: do we get what we pay for, especially if higher salaries can indeed attract more capable people into government?