While Singapore’s officials are among the highest-paid in the world, money alone cannot attract the brightest leaders to public service, lawmakers have said during a debate on the increase in ministerial salaries – a move supported by both opposition and ruling party MPs.The parliamentary discussion on Thursday, which saw MPs share their personal reflections on stepping into public office, followed an announced rise in ministerial salary, which Prime Minister Lawrence Wong insisted was necessary for leadership renewal and to keep pace with the private sector.Benchmark salaries of Wong’s cabinet will be increased by more than 60 per cent, ranging from S$1.8 million (US$1.4 million) to S$3.6 million annually. Ministers will receive a one-off rise of up to 9 per cent next month, with subsequent increments subject to individual performance and responsibilities.Singapore last adjusted the salaries of political holders in 2012, slashing wages by more than 35 per cent. A recommendation to increase the pay following a 2017 review was not adopted.“If too many capable people conclude that political service asks for sacrifices which are just too great, then over time we will have fewer people prepared to step forward,” Wong said as he rounded up the three-and-a-half-hour debate.“Eventually, the quality of our leadership will suffer and Singapore will suffer the consequences.”