Inspired by the principles of Malaysia’ first Prime Minister and the spirit of Merdaka that he embodied, IDEAS was founded in 2010 as an independent think tank to improve the level of understanding and acceptance of public policies based on the principles of rule of law, limited government, free markets and individual liberty. “This continues to be the mission of IDEAS, as an independent public policy organization”, says its Acting CEO Ali Salman.

After resignation of founding CEO Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the economist and research director Ali Salman has taken over as Acting CEO, with the support of a newly formed Executive Committee of the Board, comprising Chairman Tan Sri Rebecca Sta. Maria, Dato’ Dr. R. Thillainathan and Wan Mohd Firdaus.

Outlining his priorities during the transition, Ali identifies three areas: Engagement with policy makers, Sustainability for long term health, and Capacity Building by investing in training of young researchers as well as increasing the size of research team.

IDEAS must continue to hold and strengthen its position as an independent public policy research organization, without fear or favour, says Ali Salman. There is a dearth of such independent think tanks in the country, and it’s a cause which deserves support from all stakeholders including private sector, policy makers, media and academia.

IDEAS research is structured under three broad thematic units and clusters: advancing a competitive economy (Economics & Business Unit), restoring trust in institutions (Democracy & Governance Unit) and inclusive development (Social Policy Unit). Its current research projects include, among others: Regulations for E-hailing services, Harmonization of Aviation regulations in ASEAN, Payment Card Reforms Evaluation, Affordable Housing, Impact of Government Assistance to Rural Malaysians, Illicit Trade, and Procurement Market as well as a book on “Ethnicity, Religion and Tunku.”

The Acting CEO Ali Salman has thanked all donors and partner organizations for continuing to support IDEAS.