Singapore to raise ministerial salaries, MP allowances from mid-Oct

All political office holders in Singapore will receive a pay adjustment from mid-October. Monthly allowance for Members of Parliament will also go up to S$18,500 from S$13,750. This marks the first update to political salaries in 15 years. Political office holders will get a one-off increase of up to 9%, depending on factors like individual performance. Most entry-level ministers are expected to earn about S$1.35 million per year by the end of this term of government. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged that political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue but added that keeping salaries relevant is about securing Singapore's next generation of leaders. He said he will donate his pay raise from this adjustment to good causes for the next five years, assuming he is still the head of government. Sabrina Ng reports.