KUALA LUMPUR, 8 FEB, 2010: A new think tank called the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) was launched today rightfully on Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Memorial Day.

IDEAS is to replace Malaysia Think Tank and is Malaysia’s first think tank dedicated to promoting market-based solutions to public policy challenges. The main purpose is to advance market-based principles without being bound by race or religion.

The official launch of IDEAS took place at Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra with support from Arkib Negara.

The concept of IDEAS is based on Tunku’s “principles of liberty and justice” foresight to see our country thrive.

Four concepts that drive IDEAS are rule of law, limited government, free markets and individual liberty.

As an independent non-profit think tank, IDEAS will work across the political spectrum, without the influence of any political party.

Cross-partisanship is ensured through its balanced advisory group which consists of leaders from Barisan Nasional (UMNO, MCA and Gerakan) and Pakatan Rakyat (PKR, DAP, PAS). Party leaders from Sabah and Sarawak are also invited to join the advisory group.

IDEAS main plan for 2010 will be a series of workshops on the relationship between state and federal governments as defined in the constitution. It will also be running a study to explore how market-mechanisms can help transform schools.

Tunku’s friend and ally Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah was also present and gave a speech during the launch.

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