Tok Guru Nik Aziz dies

KOTA BARU: The spiritual leader of PAS and former Kelantan menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has succumbed to his illness at age 84.

PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar told the press that Nik Aziz passed away at his residence in Pulau Melaka, Kota Baru at 9.45pm. He was suffering from prostate cancer.

At 8.30pm this evening, Nik Aziz was brought home from Hospital Universiti Sain Malaysia (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian after he was taken off respiratory support.

Earlier this afternoon, his son Nik Mohamad Abduh confirmed his father was in a critical state after doctors tried treating an ulcer.

“My father’s health was critical after doctors treated his ulcer last night,” Nik Abduh said.

Many had gathered at his home upon his return from hospital this evening including vice-president of PAS Husam Musa.

Nik Aziz, was born on January 10, 1931 to a single father, who was an aspiring blacksmith in his hometown of Pulau Melaka, Kelantan.

The second of five siblings, he furthered his studies at Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, India for five years, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies and a Master of Arts in Islamic jurisprudence from Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

He was able to converse in Arabic, English, Tamil and Urdu.

He joined PAS in 1967 and helmed the Kelantan government for 23 years as Chempaka assemblyman under the Pengkalan Chepa constituency.

Nik Aziz retired in 2013 and was replaced by his deputy, Ahmad Yakob.

He leaves behind his wife Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak and 10 children.

Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/02/12/tok-guru-nik-aziz-dies/