Apart from ensuring the veracity and accuracy of national social and economic data, the government must also release the full details of the sources of the data, the methodology used and any other information that can throw light on the findings, said an academic.

Dr Lim Lim Teck Ghee was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's reassurance that the government did not 'cook up' the economic indicators and figures.

"A government that engages in deception, spinning or concealment of social, economic and other national data is one that is not only disrespectful to the public but it is also one that betrays the trust bestowed on those with the reins of power," Lim said in a statement.

He said by making public the sources of data and methodology used will not only ensure public confidence, but also ensure the right conclusions and policy lessons and outcomes are drawn.

"Otherwise, we will find that incomplete or unreliable data is being used to justify policies that would otherwise have little or no rational basis for adoption. Such a move is necessary for all official statistics - not just trade or selective economic data," he added.

Strict measures

In developed countries, he said, strict measures have been adopted to ensure that all official statistics and data are shielded from inappropriate political influence and from being compromised through professional defects, bias, corruption or falsification.

"It is high time that the government takes the necessary steps to ensure the independence and integrity of our official statistics.

" These steps should include the establishment of a scientific social statistical commission that would focus on the independence and integrity of official statistics and act as an independent guardian for public interest," he added.

Lim said Malaysia is also lagging behind many countries in ensuring that its statistical system is accessible and transparent.

"Until these misgivings are addressed, there will continue to be concerns over the honesty and dependability of the official statistics provided to the public," he said.

On Saturday, Najib said the economic indicators and figures disclosed by the government to show the country's economic achievements reflected the real situation .

The deputy premier was asked to comment about speculations and accusations that the government "drummed up" the economic indicators to boost public confidence.

"The figures are real. That's absolutely real. You don't make wild accusations like that... we have never cooked-up the figures.

Our books are very transparent. The people from the World Bank and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) come and examine our books on a regular basis... there is absolutely no way we can cook-up the figures," he had said.