Pak Lah’s transformation of DOSM staffing structure remembered, says chief statistician

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is remembered not only for his statesmanship but also for his lasting contributions to the development of human capital and the strengthening of the national statistical system.

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Uzir Mahidin said Abdullah, who is also labelled as the Father of Human Capital Development, had placed strong emphasis on building institutional capacity and promoting integrity in the civil service.

Uzir shared that Abdullah’s most significant legacy was the transformation of the Statistics Department of Malaysia (DOSM) staffing structure, which laid the groundwork for a more professional and data-driven public sector.

“Since 1978, crucial fieldwork duties, especially respondent interviews, had been carried out by temporary personnel known as junior and general enumerators.

“However, due to Tun Abdullah’s initiative and leadership, a major transformation occurred in 1990 when these temporary roles were gradually turned into the permanent position as statistical assistants, a process completed by 1993.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be directly involved in this effort, assisting those who did not yet meet the mathematical qualifications by providing guidance on the special examination syllabus and preparing them for interview sessions,” he said in a Facebook post.

Uzir also expressed gratitude for being able to contribute to the implementation of the induction course, which completed the process of permanent appointment.

“This transformative step not only enhanced professionalism in the compilation and reporting of statistical data but also brought renewed hope through job security and recognition of the importance of the national statistical service,” he added.

During Abdullah’s tenure as the premier, Uzir said the government also placed greater focus on enhancing the function and structure of DOSM.

Following that, Uzir said a task force was set up in 2004, co-chaired by the then Bank Negara Malaysia deputy governor and the deputy chief statistician and supported by himself, who served as the secretary to the DOSM restructuring committee.

“Expert findings, including those of Mr Derek Blade, were submitted to the National Economic Action Council (NEAC), recommending an increase in DOSM personnel to enhance field data collection capacity.

“PwC, appointed as the consultant, also proposed the recruitment of more skilled staff and the modernisation of ICT infrastructure to address the growing workload and improve the quality and reliability of data.

“Alhamdulillah, the restructuring was approved in 2007, leading to the establishment of 10 Operations Offices and the creation of 1,033 permanent posts — a landmark achievement in the history of the national statistical service,” he said.

Uzir said Abdullah was also fondly remembered for his deep concern for the welfare of civil servants, particularly in increasing salary scales and improving the working environment.

“His humility, compassion, and people-friendly approach have made him a statesman held in the highest regard and affection.

“Today, Tun Abdullah’s vision continues through the National Statistical System Strengthening initiative, which seeks to transform DOSM in line with the demands of big data and technological advancement.

“Indeed, the contributions and legacy of Tun Abdullah will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s development and the history of our statistical institutions. May his soul be showered with mercy and placed among the righteous,” he said.

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