COMMENT | 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...