The Hong Kong government has announced a 1.3% pay increase for political appointees at all levels starting this month. This marks the lowest increase in nearly a decade, surpassed only by the pay freezes in 2020, 2021, and last year. The raise applies to six secretaries and deputy secretaries, fifteen secretaries for departments, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, with each receiving an increase of approximately HK$5,000 per month; deputy secretaries and political assistants will see increases ranging from approximately HK$1,700 to HK$3,600. Overall, total annual remuneration expenditure will increase to approximately HK$180 million.