Data on Annual Remuneration Changes of Newly-appointed Political Officeholders Across Last Three General Elections and Breakdown by Percentage Bands

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) for new political office holders appointed after each of the last three General Elections, whether data is available on the average percentage change in their annual salary, including variable bonuses, immediately before and after appointment, and if so, what are they; and (b) what is the breakdown of these salary changes across bands of (i) 25% (ii) 50% and (iii) 75% or more, respectively.

Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): The Government does not systematically collect or maintain the statistics requested. The remuneration of political appointment holders is determined within the prevailing salary framework. For a new appointment holder, where the individual is placed within the relevant salary range will take into account factors, such as the individual's experience, responsibilities and previous remuneration.

The Government does not seek to attract individuals into politics by offering them higher salaries than they were previously earning. Where an individual is suitable for political office, our general approach is to appoint them to a role appropriate to their experience and capabilities and emplace them at a salary point broadly comparable to, or even below, their previous remuneration. Quite a few have taken pay reductions upon entering political office.