Malaysia is ready to formulate an action plan to enable broad public access to government data and strengthen data use in development planning, says a new World Bank report.
The World Bank's Open Data Readiness Assessment (ODRA), released today, takes stock of Malaysia’s capacity to implement an Open Data program and provides recommendations to improve the transparent management and use of government data.
“Malaysia is the first country in ASEAN to implement the ODRA methodology, which assesses institutional and technical readiness and identifies the actions required to move ahead on the Open Data program,” said Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. “We are encouraged by the partnership with the World Bank and look forward to implementing the report’s recommendations.”
Greater access to information – such as data on infrastructure spending – can enable both the government and the private sector to make more informed decisions, invest and use resources more efficiently, and create positive spillover effects for the economy.
“Information is vital capital in today's world. Open Data facilitate the exchange of information across government agencies, help inform and improve public policy and program quality, and empower civil society to contribute more and better to policy making and program implementation, grounded in robust data,” said Ulrich Zachau, World Bank Country Director for South East Asia.
"Worldwide, greater transparency leads to a healthier investment and business climate, which leads to higher growth, more jobs and better social services," added Carolina Vaira, World Bank Senior Governance Specialist and ODRA team member.
The diagnosis, undertaken jointly with the Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit, known as MAMPU, included interviews with 192 participants across government agencies and other stakeholders. The interviews pinpointed how decisions are taken, how demand for data is met, and how publication of data could be more sustained.
Knowledge and Research reports are flagship publications of the World Bank Group Global Knowledge and Research Hub in Malaysia.
