Leong Mun Wai says Singaporeans concerned about increased ministerial salaries, argues pay not key factor for attracting talent
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief Leong Mun Wai spent last Saturday (19 Sept) morning speaking to Singaporeans at a hawker centre about the increase in ministerial salaries.
One young couple raised the question about whether there could be a conflict of interest in Parliament voting to raise their own allowances.
Source: Leong Mun Wai on Facebook
Singaporeans concerned over uncertain economy
On 8 Sept, it was announced in Parliament that Singapore’s ministers would receive a 9% increase in pay.
The allowances of Members of Parliament (MPs) would also rise from S$13,750 to S$18,500. Both increases take effect on 15 Oct.
Since the announcement, everyday Singaporeans and public figures alike have hotly debated the salary increase.
On 20 Sept, Mr Leong posted on Facebook that he spent the previous morning speaking to Singaporeans on the topic.
Source: Leong Mun Wai on Facebook
He showed photos of himself and PSP members at Mayflower Market & Food Centre in Ang Mo Kio.
Many diners allegedly expressed concern that politicians were receiving higher pay while ordinary Singaporeans faced an uncertain economy and growing financial pressures.
Couple asks Leong Mun Wai on conflict of interest over Parliament involvement in ministerial salaries
Mr Leong highlighted one young couple who had a different question.
They asked whether there could be a conflict of interest when Parliament is involved in approving the remuneration of political office-holders and MPs.
The PSP leader explained that Parliament ultimately has the constitutional authority to make the decisions, as the higher law-making body in Singapore.
Source: Leong Mun Wai on Facebook
Additionally, an independent review committee recommended the salary changes.
However, Mr Leong asked how to ensure sufficient checks, transparency, and public confidence for such decisions when one party has an “overwhelming majority in Parliament”.
Leong Mun Wai argues salaries not key factor for attracting political talent
Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong previously said the salary increases were meant to continue attracting talent into politics.
Source: MDDI Singapore on YouTube
He argued that many capable people would not do so if they had to take too large a pay cut from their regular job.
In response, PSP agreed that Singapore’s political leaders should receive fair compensation.
However, Mr Leong did not consider pay to be what truly attracts political talent.
Source: Leong Mun Wai on Facebook
“There will be no shortage of capable Singaporeans willing to serve for less,” he said, adding the right political environment would inspire Singaporeans to serve.
A fairer and more open political environment will allow more political talent to step forward. The best political talent will be attracted not by pay alone, but by purpose and the desire to serve Singapore.
Also read: 78% of poll respondents disagree with the high pay of political office holders
78% of poll respondents disagree with the high pay of political office holders
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Featured image adapted from Leong Mun Wai on Facebook.
