The longest serving Menteri Besar for Kelantan and PAS spiritual leader, Tuan Guru Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has passed away at 9.40pm last night.
It’s been a sad week for Malaysia politics, especially after Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sentenced to five years in prison after his appeal to overturn a sodomy conviction – his second – was dismissed.
Bukit Bendera Member of Parliament and Executive Director for the Penang Institute, Zairil Khir Johari described Nik Aziz as a softspoken person.
“I only met him once or twice under very casual circumstances so I can’t say I know him personally,” said Zairil who is also the son of Khir Johari, a former Cabinet minister, told Coconuts KL.
He added, as a leader, Nik Aziz was a conservative but somehow also a moderating voice among hardline factions.
“He (Nik Aziz) was old school and pretty much in the mold of the classical Pas politician, but he was very clear in his principles,” said Zairil. “He was very adamant about where the lines were drawn.”
When asked about the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, Zairil expressed his concern, “One hopes it’s not a repeat of 2002 when for PAS President, Fadzil Noor passed away leading to the eventual breakup,” he said. “I think though this time the coalition is more entrenched.”
Even local celebrities are expressing their grief at Nik Aziz’s passing. Actress and TV host, Neelofa on her Instagram account prayed that Nik Aziz would be granted ‘maghfirah’, the highest stage in jannah (paradise).
“It is a great loss for the ummah (people) and may the Almighty grant him paradise…Ameen” stated in her Instagram caption with the post of her picture with Nik Aziz whom she met last year.
Malaysian comedian, Afdlin Shauki remarked that he was saddened he did not visit Nik Aziz earlier, when he was invited by fellow comedian Zizan.
“I received a text message from Zizan to visit Nik Aziz but I couldn’t find time to do so which make me sad,” he said.
Nik Aziz was Kelantan’s MB from 1990 to 2013.
He died approximately an hour after been sent home from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian when the doctors took him off respiratory support after his health deteriorated due to the ulcer treatment. He was 84.
His son, Nik Mohamad Abduh in his statement confirmed his father’s dead in his Facebook statement.
“Angels have come to accompany his soul to meet the Creator on a great Friday eve. May Allah bless him,” said Nik Abduh who is also a PAS central committee member.
Nik Aziz died peacefully today surrounded by his family.
