Question on wages borne by the Government for Political Office Holders seconded to the NTUC

Parliament Sitting: 7 April 2026

Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in relation to political office holders (POHs) seconded to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) (a) what is the average percentage of wages borne by the Government relative to NTUC in the last ten years; and (b) for each of the last ten years, what was the total dollar amount borne by the Government for salaries of all POHs seconded to NTUC.

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

Political office holders (POHs) are seconded to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to reinforce the Government’s longstanding partnership with the labour unions and facilitate collaboration with the unions in shaping policies that address workers’ concerns in Singapore.

In general, the Government and NTUC will co-fund portions of the POHs’ salary. This cost-sharing arrangement is intended to ensure that both organisations have a mutual stake and shared responsibility for the outcomes of the secondment. In the last ten years, the Government has generally funded about 50% of the fixed component of the salaries, which include the basic monthly and 13th month components.

Regardless, POHs who are seconded to NTUC receive only one pay package as an appointment holder, and the current annual package of all POHs is as set out in the 2012 White Paper on Salaries for a Capable and Committed Government. The budgeted expenditure on manpower for POHs in each ministry is published in the budget book annually.