As part of its preparations for Budget 2009, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) launched the Budget 2009 Feedback Exercise on 28 October 2008. Through this, MOF wants to engage Singaporeans on issues concerning public finance and gather your views on how the Budget can enhance our economy and fulfill your aspirations for Singapore.

2. The Minister for Finance, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, commented that: 'In the current economic climate, it is even more important for us to use our resources wisely and ensure that the Budget is allocated both towards helping Singaporeans and businesses weather the downturn and to address longer-term economic and social challenges. This feedback exercise will help us gather the views of Singaporeans from all walks of life as we prepare for Budget 2009.'

Giving Singaporeans A Say In Our Country's Future

3. MOF in partnership with REACH, invites the public to contribute their views on areas which affect Government expenditure and revenue, and what the Budget should encompass to address Singapore's strategic fiscal concerns in this challenging environment. From 28 October 2008 to 23 January 2009, members of the public can contribute their views through:

1. The Budget 2009 website.
   
   
2. REACH's SMS channel: 9-Speak-Up (9-77325-87) in English, Malay, or Chinese .
   
   
3. Mail, phone or facsimile. Contact details can be found in Annex A.

Both general feedback and suggestions on specific aspects of public expenditure are welcome.

4. REACH and MOF will also be organising dialogue sessions from November 2008 to January 2009, the first of which will be held on 12 November 2008.

5. Visit the Budget 2009 website for more information on the Budget 2009 Feedback Exercise.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE