Don't compare us with foreign peers

By Koh Hui Theng
The New Paper | Thu, Jan 19, 2012
Parliament Minister, MPs say:

We're one of the few, if not the only country in the world to have a clean wage system, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

The uniquely Singapore practice - where politicians are paid a salary that is the totality of their remuneration - means there are no hidden perks or privileges.

No housing, no travel claims, no additional expenses like what many leaders around the world enjoy.

It's done to ensure transparency and accountability to the public.

So comparing what politicians here get with what their foreign peers draw is irrelevant, ministers and MPs said at yesterday's Parliament debate.

DPM Teo said: "It is thus difficult to compare with other countries, or compute the total compensation package of the politicians, which often includes substantial allowances, housing, transport and health-care benefits."

Former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng told The New Paper: "Leaders' absolute renumeration has nothing to do with a clean wage system. "Would people rather have the alternative, paying for perks and benefits then?"

For instance, Chinese President Hu Jintao is reportedly paid US$11,000 (S$14,000) but the State pays for other expenses like housing.

Even US President Barack Obama, arguably the most powerful man in the world, has numerous expense accounts.

MP Inderjit Singh (Ang Mo Kio GRC) pointed out that his British counterparts have bicycle and car allowances. He does not.

There are many political leaders in other countries who draw a low salary but have immense wealth, MP Alvin Yeo (Chua Chu Kang GRC) added.

For Mr Cheng, the choice is clear: "The clean wage concept means we know exactly what they (office-holders) are getting. It's very transparent.

"I would rather know how much our politicians are paid by the State."

"The clean wage concept means we know exactly what they (office-holders) are getting. It's very transparent. I would rather know how much our politicians are paid by the State."

- Former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng on Singapore's clean wage system

Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's Prime Minister

SALARY: $2.2 million

ALLOWANCE: $192,500 (MP allowance)

PENSION: Frozen (to be paid when he steps down or retires from office) MEDICAL: $1,190 per year

OTHERS: None

Mr Barack Obama,US President

SALARY: US$400,000 (S$517,000)

ALLOWANCE: A range (see Others)

PENSION: US$201,000 (taxable)

MEDICAL: Treatment in military hospitals

OTHERS (IN OFFICE): Staff and office allowances

Free use of presidential limousine, helicopter and private jet

Travel expenses over and above the limo, chopper and airplane (former president Bill Clinton had US$50,000 for travel in fiscal year 2008)

Annual $50,000 entertainment expenses

Separate entertainment expenses for official presidential functions Unanticipated needs (up to US$1 million a year)

OTHERS (AFTER LEAVING OFFICE): Secret Service Protection of 10 years for him and the First Lady

Transition expenses up to seven months - to facilitate relocation to private life Free postal service for non-political correspondence

Free office space and US$96,000 a year to pay for office help

State funeral

Sources include Congress report, Parliament and media reports

Ms Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister

SALARY: A$481,000 (S$641,000) ALLOWANCE: Electorate allowance A$32,000

PENSION: Superannuation - previous PM Kevin Rudd received over A$100,000 a year

OTHERS (IN OFFICE):

Official residence with staff

OTHERS (AFTER LEAVING OFFICE): Office accommodation, staff assistance

Life Gold Pass, which entitles the holder to business-class travel at government expense Car lease

Travel - limited to 10 return trips a year

Changes for benefits are on the way as politicians debate pay rises
This article was first published in The New Paper.