By Jeremy Au Yong, Political Correspondent

PARLIAMENT learnt yesterday what steps the Government took to obtain the President's consent for what will be the first-ever draw on the nation's past reserves.

It started with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong broaching the subject informally with President S R Nathan, before Cabinet had approved the Budget proposals.

This was followed by a string of detailed briefings from various ministries after Cabinet approval, before a formal proposal was put up to the President.

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