From $1.1m to $1.8m: Government accepts raising entry-level minister benchmark pay

The Government will raise the salary benchmark of entry-level ministers at the MR4 grade to $1.8 million, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in Parliament on Tuesday (Sept 8).The norm annual ministerial wage has remained at $1.1 million since 2011.In a ministerial statement on Tuesday, PM Wong said the Government accepts the new benchmark level proposed by the independent committee which reviewed the salary structure of political office holders earlier this year.Under the updated salary framework, which takes effect on Oct 15, elected Members of Parliaments (MPs) will receive a higher fixed monthly allowance of $18,500, up from $13,750.The remuneration of the President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker will also be adjusted.