Singapore to cut politicians' pay by 30% from 21 May

Singapore's politicians, the highest paid in the world would, will soon have to take a salary cut by at least a third, but they would still retain their top ranking as the highest paid politicians globally.

In another unkind cut, the move would be effective from 21 May 2011, when the new government assumed office.

The cuts were promised by new prime minister Lee Hsien Loong to quell public ire following a landmark election in 2011.

Though the global downturn has had little impact on the city state, public anger has been increasing for some time as the income gap between the rich and poor Singaporeans has widened in recent years.

With the deep cuts recommended by a government-appointed Review Committee, the prime minister himself would see his salary reduced 36 per cent and his perks would be pegged at $1.69 million.