Singapore Cabinet to cut pay under reform pledge

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s new Cabinet was sworn into office at the weekend pledging to cut its million-dollar salaries as part of reforms triggered by opposition gains in a landmark election this month. High cabinet pay was among the issues which raised citizens’ ire ahead of the polls, along with the rising cost of public housing, health care and basic goods, and economic competition from more than a million foreigners.

“The government will engage all segments of society,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 59, said after his government was inaugurated for a new five-year term on Saturday by President S.R. Nathan.

Analysts, however, said any social and economic changes to be implemented by Lee’s new government to appease a restive electorate are unlikely to undermine Singapore’s business-friendly reputation.

The People’s Action Party (PAP), which has enjoyed huge majorities since 1959, failed to win only six of the 87 parliament seats, but its share of the vote fell to 60 percent in the May 7 election, down from 67 percent in 2006 and 75 percent in 2001.

It was the best ever performance by the fragmented opposition, whose campaign rallies were attended by tens of thousands of people.

Former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew, the 87-year-old father of the current leader, and Goh Chok Tong, 70, retired from their cabinet advisory positions after the election to give way to younger ministers after conceding that the political landscape had changed.

“We will listen carefully to different voices, understand the day-to-day difficulties and strains facing Singaporeans, address their concerns and be open to inputs on what government can do better,” the younger Lee said after the swearing-in.

Sunday, AFP