Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was revered and respected, even among non-Muslims.
He would be best remembered as a voice of defiance against BN since 1990 when the east coast state went to the opposition alliance of PAS and Semangat 46, before there was Barisan Alternatif or Pakatan.
With this victory, Kelantan under Nik Aziz had to face a cut in federal funds which were supposed to be allocated to the state government.
Despite this setback, Nik Aziz managed to persevere with the limited funds the state had, and went on to rule for more than two decades.Popularly referred to as "Tok Guru", he was known for his humble ways, opting to stay in his modest house in Pulau Melaka and not in the Kelantan MB official residence.
He continued to conduct religious classes on a weekly basis despite being the MB at the famous Siti Khadijah market.
In leading a modest lifestyle despite running the state, he garnered the respect of Malaysians as a clean and honest politician.
Nik Aziz initially studied in Besut, Terengganu, before furthering his studies at Universiti Deoband, India and Universiti Lahore, in Pakistan.
He then furthered his studies at the famous Islamic institution Al-Azhar university in Egypt. He obtained a basic degree in the Arabic language and a Masters in Islamic Law.
A PAS member since 1967, he first contested for the Kelantan Hilir parliamentary seat now known as Pengkalan Chepa, and until 2013, he contested in the Chempaka state seat.
Nik Aziz shocked the nation when he resigned as the Kelantan MB after retaining the Chempaka state seat in 2013 to make way for present MB Ahmad Yaakob.
His passing on Feb 12, coincides with that of another renowned Islamic scholar Hasan Al Bana, said PAS central committee member Nasruddin Hassan.
Always an attraction at ceramah
Nik Aziz was always an attraction at opposition ceramah or talks where people regardless of race would turn-up in droves and although he usually spoke the last, the crowd would patiently wait for him.
His mere presence is said to be able to garner votes and for this reason, his attendance at opposition ceramah was much anticipated.
At such public events, people would rush to shake his hands or move in closer to catch a glimpse of this great man.
His simple lifestyle and moderate stance towards the opposition would be a hard act for other PAS leaders to emulate.Unfortunately, none of the present PAS leaders can display that kind of stature which had the magnetic force of attracting people of all races and faiths.
In Facebook post, PAS vice-president Husam Musa, who is one of Nik Aziz’s disciples, pointed out that the latter had passed away on Friday, a day which is considered holy for Muslims.
"There are many people in his house and hundreds more reciting the Surah Yasin. I accept your passing and God-willing we will meet again under the forgiveness and in the pleasure of our lord," he wrote.
Over the years, t-shirts and other memorabilia with Nik Aziz's image have been a collectors item, with one in particular describing him as "one in a million".
There is not a more befitting description of this man.
Al-fatihah.
HAFIZ YATIM is a member of Team Malaysiakini.
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