The idea to establish an institute for fostering discussions on public policy ideals was first proposed by YAM Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, and Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuaad in early 2006. Recognising the need to strategically promote liberal ideas in Malaysia, they drew inspiration from the vision of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, who championed liberty, justice, and the welfare of the people.
In October 2006, the organisation was registered as a non-profit company limited by guarantee in England and Wales under the name Malaysia Think Tank London (MTTL). In May 2009, the Executive Board decided to relocate all operations to Malaysia. On 1 October 2009, the move was completed and the London office was closed.
On 14 December 2009, the organisation was relaunched as the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). The formal launch was held on 8 February 2010, Tunku Abdul Rahman’s birthday, and brought together several generations of his family alongside Malaysians who shared the ambition for stronger public institutions and a more open, principled policy conversation.
Over the years, IDEAS has become a familiar voice in Malaysia’s policy landscape. Our work now spans governance, economics, social policy, and sustainability, guided by a commitment to research excellence and cross-partisan engagement. As Malaysia continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to contributing ideas that help move the country forward.
Our commitment to quality research and principled advocacy has earned international recognition over the years. IDEAS was ranked the fifth best new think tank globally and the top new think tank in Asia in the University of Pennsylvania’s 2013 Global Go To Think Tank Index. More recently, we were honoured with the 2024 Asia Liberty Award by the Atlas Network and recognised as one of the 100 Think Tanks to Watch in 2025, a peer-nominated list by On Think Tanks.
IDEAS‘ logo features the wau bulan soaring freely in the sky, earning it the name “Wau Bebas” or the Kite of Freedom. The wau symbolises freedom, IDEAS’ founding value, and just like a wau relies on a string rooted to the ground for stability, we advocate for freedom anchored to the rule of law.
