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strong>Jan. 26, p4

Researchers are pushing for more evidence-based policies from the current government, arguing that the quality of policies born from research are often superior to those born from mere observation or knee-jerk reactions.

Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) political researcher Vidhyandika Djati Perkasa said that a focus on evidence-based policies was needed to transform the way the country was being developed

Your comments:

This approach should be supported and implemented at the highest levels.

How often have we heard of new initiatives or policies being rolled-out without any shred of empirical evidence to justify them?  

More often, policies are implemented because of the whims or musings of the top man or woman.  

No clear evaluation, milestones or budgets are presented for analysis.  Is it any wonder that money
just goes down the drain when a policy does not achieve its intended goals?

Evidence-based research should be an integral part of policy planning. While the president can command his ministers to adopt this approach, it is just plain common sense that ministers and their directors general should include this as part of their standard operating procedures.

Jon Terry