Ramesh Chander: More than just first chief statistician

Ramesh Chander was much more than just the nation’s first chief statistician.

A pioneer development economist whose work resulted in the development of a full and still in-use statistical system for an independent Malaysia, his expertise extended to a large range of socio-economic sectors and issues relevant to the economic development and well-being of the country.

Not many are aware of the important role that Ramesh played in helping develop the New Economic Policy with its initial promise of helping bring about the eradication of poverty and rebalancing the economy to ensure a just, fair, and equal society for all.

Fewer may be aware of how disillusioned Ramesh became with the subsequent defects and abuses of the policy’s implementation that has continued well beyond its original lifespan and is still in place with its Malay preference provisions.

Ramesh’s expertise was recognised by the World Bank following his retirement when he was appointed as a statistical adviser in the bank’s headquarters. Living in Washington DC, he played a key role in helping build the statistical capacity of developing member countries as well as the bank’s statistical system.

Ramesh’s heart and concerns were always with Malaysia. This accounts for his quiet and gentle but intellectually robust contribution to the ongoing socio-economic developments shaping and misshaping Malaysia’s development and future.

Unfortunately, much of Ramesh’s contribution was behind the scenes and is unlikely to be acknowledged or appreciated.

But we have been privileged to have had his friendship, camaraderie, and wisdom; and one way of honouring him is to share some recent pieces in which we have had his contribution as a fellow commentator in our effort to influence the nation’s policy framework and direction.

See here also.

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LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.

MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor with the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Malaysia Perlis.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.