Page 107 - 60 Years Generating National Statistics

TREASURY MALAYSIA

I feel greatly honoured to be given the opportunity to be a part of this glorious event.
I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the Department of Statistics (DOS)
Malaysia on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

Over the past 60 years, DOS has developed rapidly from a small agency to an

established organisation functions as the sole data provider to the nation. It is the
central statistical authority responsible for official statistics on the Malaysia economy
and population. Economic statistics play a significant role in enabling policy planners
to draw up plans to chart the country’s development process while at the same time
such statistics are capable of monitoring and evaluating the targets outlined.

The issues to be considered in terms of the direction of the service of statisticians

include the relevancy of the service and strategies in making the service more
relevant in the public service as well as the effectiveness in delivering excellent
services. The main task of statisticians is to provide statistical information for effective
planning and administration of the country. Planning can be viewed as a creative
process in building connection between the unpredictable future with the present
and the process requires statistical information. The role of statisticians are to narrow
the gap of uncertainty in planning by providing the relevant information.

With globalisation, economic, commerce and management activities cut across

political boundaries, meeting the challenges of globalisation requires wider and
closer relationship among statistical agencies; hence the importance of enhancing
relationship and collaboration with other agencies at the global level. Advances in
technology have also accelerated the growth in communication and economic
activities inter and intra country. This means that information must be made available
quickly and transmitted to where it is required almost instantaneously, since, for
example, in highly competitive commercial and financial sectors, delay means

additional costs and missed opportunities.

DOS Malaysia has indeed come a long way to be at where it is today. I take this
opportunity to congratulate the current and previous Chief Statisticians for their
commitment and leadership that has made DOS standing tall for the past 60 years. I
wish you success in the many years to come.

Thank you.

Tan Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah
Secretary General of Treasury, Malaysia

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