The passing of Datuk Ramesh Chander, Malaysia’s first Chief Statistician, is devastating. Datuk Ramesh died on Tuesday, November 14 at 2.50 a.m., according to the Chief Statistics Office, and was 88 years old. It is evident that he played a crucial role in shaping the statistical landscape of Malaysia and made significant contributions to the field.
During his 11-year tenure as Chief Statistician, Datuk Ramesh successfully built and organized the Department of Statistics, leaving a lasting legacy as the foundation for the country’s statistical organization. His work in pioneering household surveys for analyzing poverty and socio-economic indicators reflects his commitment to using statistical data for social and economic development.
Beyond his national contributions, Datuk Ramesh was also involved in international statistical initiatives. Serving as the first Commissioner of Population and Housing Census and participating in organizations such as the UN Statistical Commission and the Asian Conference of Statisticians, he played the key role in shaping statistical practices at global level.
His dedication to statistics continued throughout his life, as evidenced by his participation in various forums, seminars, and discussions. Datuk Ramesh’s commitment to advocating for statistics and contributing to discussions on topics such as population statistics and corruption in Malaysia highlights his enduring impact on the field.
Our sincere condolences to Datuk Ramesh’s family and acknowledging his contributions reflects the respect and gratitude for his work. The Department of Statistics recognizes and appreciates his efforts, particularly in strengthening the statistical system to support socio-economic policies and planning in Malaysia. May Datuk Ramesh Chander rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to be remembered and valued in the field of statistics.
Source: Makkal Osai
