KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat passed away this evening at his home in Pulau Melaka, weeks after he was readmitted to the hospital due to his ailing health.
Nik Aziz, 84, was Chempaka state assemblyman. He won the seat in the 13th general election with a 6,500 vote-majority.
His death means a by-election will take place, although the Election Commission (EC) will have to first make an official announcement on the matter.
“Tuan Guru Nik Aziz passed away at 9.40pm earlier.
“May his soul be blessed by Allah and place among those who are pious in Heaven,” PAS said in a short statement on their official Facebook page.
The PAS spiritual leader, who suffered from prostate cancer, was admitted in January after his health deteriorated during the recent floods.
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.
The veteran Islamist party leader remains popular even among non-Muslim supporters of federal opposition Pakatan Rakyat.
“With the grace of God, the angels have completed their duties in escorting his soul to meet his Creator at 9.40pm on the night before Friday.
“May my father be at peace at Allah’s side,” Nik Aziz’s son Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz said in a short statement on his Facebook page.
Nik Aziz was born on January 10, 1931 in Pulau Melaka, Kelantan.
The second of five siblings, he joined PAS in 1967 and led the Kelantan government for 23 years as Chempaka assemblyman under the Pengkalan Chepa constituency.
He was married to Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak and leaves behind 10 children, including Nik Abduh, who is Pasir Mas MP.
