Nik Aziz succumbs to illness

KOTA BARU: Former Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has succumbed to prostate cancer, which he has been fighting for about five years. He was 84.

The PAS spiritual leader died at his home in Pulau Melaka at 9.45pm yesterday, his son and Pasir Mas MP Nik Abduh announced on PAS’ official Facebook account.

Nik Aziz was taken home at 8.45pm from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia where he had been warded since Jan 19.

“My father went to meet his Creator. He died at 9.40pm on the auspicious night before Friday. May you find peace with Allah,” he said in the posting.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali confirmed Nik Aziz’s death.

“This news brings great sadness not only for his family, but also for PAS members, the people of Kelantan and all Malaysians,” he said.

Nik Aziz led the Kelantan PAS government for 23 years until 2013, when he stepped down from office and was succeeded by Datuk Ahmad Yaakob.

He is survived by Datin Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak and 10 children.

Scores of people converged at Nik Aziz’s house since the news of his death broke and there was an air of sadness outside the house.

A 2km-long traffic crawl built up near his simple wooden house as soon as the news spread, something the town has not seen for quite a while.

Nik Abduh said his father’s funeral would be at Masjid Tok Guru in Pulau Melaka at 10am today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to fly to Kelantan and pay his last respects.

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