Question on feedback sought by Committee reviewing Political Appointment Holders’ Salaries

Parliament Sitting: 3 March 2026

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the 2026 committee reviewing political office holders’ salaries will solicit feedback from the public and Members of Parliament similar to the 2011 committee; and (b) whether its remit will include reviewing the allowances of legislative assistants and secretarial assistants hired by MPs which were last updated in 2007.

Written Reply by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service

The 2012 Committee undertook a fundamental review of the political office holders’ salary framework, which included an extensive public feedback exercise at the time. This framework was further reaffirmed in 2017 by a subsequent committee. The 2026 Committee’s terms of reference are to recommend the appropriate salary levels based on the existing salary framework, and where necessary, to propose refinements so that the implementation of the framework will remain relevant and able to meet its intended purpose. The Committee will consider information from a variety of sources to inform their deliberations. The work of the Committee is still ongoing, and it will submit its report to the Government when ready, after which the Government will consider its findings and provide an update to Parliament.

The 2026 Committee will not be reviewing the allowances of legislative and secretarial assistants of MPs as it falls outside the scope of the framework.