Motion: Liang Eng Hwa on government response to political salaries review

How Singapore's leaders respond to crises is one of the most direct tests of leadership over the past few decades, said MP Liang Eng Hwa. Speaking in parliament on Thursday (Sep 10), he highlighted examples of their ability to steer Singapore out of rough waters and execute long-term plans while preparing for adversity. He pointed out that the team will face many tests again and stressed that as a small country, the margin for error is far smaller. Singapore “cannot compromise on the quality of leadership”, he said. Ministerial salaries have remained unchanged for 15 years and it is time for adjustment, he added. Mr Liang noted that many people still face a “psychological hurdle” in accepting that the salaries of political appointment holders should be linked to the market. But for Singapore to continue to have an outstanding political leadership team, it must establish a reasonable and sustainable system that encourages capable people of integrity and a strong sense of mission to serve the country, he said.