PSP's minimum wage idea is 'easy way out': PAP's Gan Siow Huang

The PSP's proposal for a minimum monthly wage in Singapore "sounds simple" and is an "easy way out", said the PAP's Gan Siow Huang, who is defending her Marymount seat in the 2025 General Election.

- Elisha Tushara

In an interview with The Sunday Times on April 26, she said that the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) by the PAP Government offers a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for lower-wage workers.

"I do not assume that a single wage, minimum wage, will be sufficient for all... The more difficult thing is how to have a more targeted minimum wage for each sector, and that takes a lot of hard work," said Ms Gan, who is the Minister of State for Education and Manpower.

"Because in each sector, we have to get both the employers and unions to come together to a common landing on what is a reasonable, sustainable minimum wage for that sector."

Ms Gan, 50, spoke to ST after a walkabout in Bishan, when she was asked about the comments made by her opponent, Mr Jeffrey Khoo, during a PSP rally on April 24.

Mr Khoo, the chief executive of a regional risk consulting firm, had called for a $2,250 minimum monthly wage and policies to prioritise Singaporeans in the workforce.

The PWM, said Ms Gan, links wage increases to skills upgrading and productivity, and it is a more calibrated approach that takes into account industry needs.