Singapore: The world's highest-paid leader, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, announced on Tuesday his decision to donate the annual increase of 1.4 million Singapore dollars ($1.1 million) in his salary to charity for the next five years.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wong addressed Parliament, stating, "The Government will continue to pay me the salary provided for under the framework, which is how our system works. I will then donate the increase to suitable good causes." This pledge will remain in effect as long as Wong serves as prime minister.

Wong's total annual compensation, including bonuses, will increase from 2.2 million Singapore dollars to 3.6 million Singapore dollars. Additionally, the salaries of Singapore's political office holders, including ministers and the prime minister, will see an upward adjustment. The benchmark annual salary for an entry-level minister will rise to S$1.8 million from the current S$1.1 million.

Wong mentioned he plans to reassess his decision at the end of the five-year period, taking into account the circumstances at that time. He emphasized that he does not wish to make an indefinite public commitment or set an expectation that future prime ministers may feel compelled to follow.

This move mirrors the actions of Wong's predecessor, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who similarly pledged in 2007 to donate his salary increases to charity for five years. During that time, Lee's annual salary as prime minister was increased to S$3.1 million from S$2.5 million, but it was later reduced to S$2.2 million in 2012.