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Singapore risks losing talent pool if public service costs too high: Tan

Senior Minister Tan See Leng has warned that Singapore may struggle to attract capable individuals into politics if the personal sacrifices required for public service become prohibitively expensive. His remarks came during a parliamentary debate on political salaries.

LSN Singapore · 10 September 2026

Singapore risks losing talent pool if public service costs too high: Tan

Tan See Leng, a senior political office holder, cautioned that the nation's ability to draw talented Singaporeans into the civil service could be compromised if the financial and personal costs of public office remain steep.

The warning was made during a parliamentary discussion on remuneration for political positions, where Tan was among several Members of Parliament and office holders who contributed to the debate.

Tan's comments reflect broader concerns about whether Singapore's public sector compensation adequately reflects the demands and sacrifices associated with political roles. The debate underscores ongoing discussions within Parliament about balancing competitive salaries with public expectations regarding political office holders' earnings.

The issue of political remuneration has long been a subject of scrutiny in Singapore, with policymakers attempting to ensure salaries remain attractive enough to retain experienced administrators and politicians while maintaining public confidence in governance.