RDU Chief questions rationale for promoting more political office holders to Cabinet

SINGAPORE: Mr. Ravi Philemon, Secretary-General of the alternative party Red Dot United (RDU), questioned the rationale behind promoting more political office holders to the Cabinet, which would result in increased annual salaries funded by taxpayers.

Mr Philemon voiced his concerns about a bloated government and urged for a smaller, more effective administration that could serve Singaporeans better.

In a video message uploaded to RDU’s TikTok account, Mr Philemon discussed the recent Cabinet reshuffle announced by Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, before his swearing-in on Wednesday.

Mr Philemon, who led RDU in contesting Jurong GRC in the 2020 General Election, questioned PM Wong on the rationale behind promoting two incumbent Jurong Members of Parliament (MP) in the Cabinet.

In the Cabinet reshuffle announced on Monday, Mr Shawn Huang, originally a backbencher MP of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), was promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) in both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

Separately, Ms Rahayu Mahzam from PAP’s Jurong GRC team, previously a parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), will advance to the position of Minister of State (MOS).

She will undertake a new MCI role while continuing her MOH duties.

Mr Philemon highlighted that with the promotion, Mr Shawn Huang set to earn S$572,000 annually, in addition to his MP allowance of S$192,000.

Separately, after her promotion, Ms Rahayu Mahzam could earn S$770,000 annually as Minister of State, compared to her previous salary of S$418,000 annually as Parliamentary Secretary.

Similarly, as ministers hold dual roles, she will receive a ministerial salary in addition to her MP allowance.

Source: 2012 White Paper

Mr Philemon questioned the need for a large number of political appointees in a small country like Singapore, implying that such appointments may be excessive.

“These are all drains on the taxpayers’ money when so many people are suffering.”

Mr Philemon highlighted the stark contrast with reality on the ground, mentioning that some Jurong GRC residents they had spoken to were reportedly going hungry and skipping meals.

“We see some older woman picking up cardboard just to make ends meet or to have some extra income.”

He questioned whether the government should draw so much money to pay all these political appointees while people on the ground are struggling with the rising cost of living.

He also questioned the value that these appointees add to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s government.

“We believe that we need a small government that is effective that can take care of Singapore. We don’t want a bloated government.”

@rdusg

Did you know that Shawn Huang’s income is going to jump from $192K per year to $192K + $570K per annum? That’s right! That’s how much he will get with his promotion under Lawrence Wong. Well, that’s not all…Another MP from Jurong GRC will get an even higher yearly compensation…Yup, Rahayu Mazam will get $192K+$770K per annum after her promotion to be Minister of State 😮 But, but, does anyone knows what a Senior Parliamentary Secretary or Minister of State does? Do we need so many political appointees like parliamentary secretaries and mayors for a small country like Singapore? What do you think? We have some views on this. In our Shadow Budget, we questioned the high cost of supporting 40 over political appointees over a five year term of Government. (Read our Shadow Budget here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jVCZdZiaKjt-3amLoIcjeZk5QF9S96P/) What is the necessity of such a large government? It’s crucial to ensure that our leaders’ salaries encourage the right motivations and are in the best interests of Singapore and its citizens. Don’t you agree?

♬ original sound – Red Dot United – Red Dot United

Singapore Govt postponed 2023 political salary review

In January this year, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, who also holds the portfolio of Minister in charge of Public Services, confirmed that the Singapore Government has deferred the review of political salaries that was due in 2023.

Minister Chan explained that the last political salaries review occurred in 2018. The review committee suggested revisiting the framework approximately every five years or as needed.

Despite economic uncertainties, no changes were made post-2018 as the salary structure remained relevant.

Mr Chan added, “A review of the political salaries was due in 2023. However, the Government decided to defer the review as we have other pressing issues to deal with.’

He added that in 2023, global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties persisted, leading to the decision to postpone the review further.

This development is a continuation of the discourse on political salaries in Singapore, which gained significant attention following the 2012 White Paper on ministerial salaries.

This paper was introduced after the GE2011, which saw a decrease in support for the incumbent PAP government and the party losing Aljunied GRC to the Workers’ Party.

The White Paper aimed to address public concerns by benchmarking the entry MR4 Minister’s salary to the median income of the top 1,000 earners who are Singapore Citizens, with a 40% discount.

Singapore’s political salaries are among the highest globally, with the Prime Minister reportedly earning US$1.6 million annually.