Che Heng – In Memory

A note from Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Alimuddin B. Hj. Mohd Dom

On the 17th of October 2024, we lost a great thinker, Che Ibrahim B Che Idris, known to many as Che Heng. He passed away on a Thursday and was laid to rest at the USJ 22 Muslim Cemetery the following Friday, leaving behind a profound sense of loss for those who knew him.

His passing came as a shock, as many were still engaging with his writings, especially in the ‘Agenda Melayu Mahawangsa’ WhatsApp group. Che Heng was more than just a writer; he was a thinker, an analyst, and someone deeply aware of the future of his people.

I followed his writings closely, even when his discussions sometimes became lengthy as he elaborated on concepts and issues. His content was different from other writers. While many were preoccupied with political topics, Che Heng focused on economic narratives. He firmly believed that if we want to see our society progress, we must prioritise economics.

When discussing economics, three essential components stood out to him: capital (finances), land, and labor (education). According to him, accumulating capital requires thrift, and children must be taught to save from a young age. He believed in the power of small, consistent savings, famously saying, “Little by little, a hill is formed,” and that one should only spend within their means. This philosophy of financial discipline, which he practiced from a young age, yielded significant results in his life.

The second component was land. He emphasised the value of owning land and cultivating it, as it always leads to profit. He often recalled how land in Subang Jaya during the 1970s was priced at just RM10 per square foot, while today it ranges between RM300 to RM500. Terraced houses, once worth RM200,000, now fetch prices close to RM1 million. Che Heng questioned why Malays had not adopted this strategy earlier, pointing to missed opportunities for wealth creation.

The third component was labor, or more precisely, education. He credited education for breaking him free from the cycle of poverty. Growing up in Kelantan, he worked alongside his single mother as a rubber tapper. Without education, he would never have been able to escape this ‘vicious circle.’ His determination led him to the University of Malaya, where he studied economics. This education opened doors for him in the private sector, including the oil and gas industry and multinational insurance companies, giving him firsthand knowledge of business and corporate affairs.

One issue Che Heng often wrote about was Malay Reserved Land (Tanah Rizab Melayu, TRM). He believed TRM was a crucial asset for the future of the Malays. It must be preserved, and if reduced, it should be replenished, as stipulated in the National Land Code. He saw the development of TRM as a critical economic strategy for future generations.

Che Heng’s writings on economics broadened the perspectives of those who read them, offering insights and strategies for the future. His loss is deeply felt.

May his soul rest among the righteous. Aamiin Yarabbal Alamin.

(Alimuddin, 21.10.24)