The demise of Dato’ Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, at the age of 84, is a huge loss not only for Kelantan but the whole nation. He succumbed to prostate cancer on February 12 after battling the disease for over five years.
Dato’ Nik Aziz was a great spiritual leader who led a simple life. He was the Menteri Besar of Kelantan for over 23 years before handing over the reins to his successor, Dato’ Ahmad Yaakob due to ill health.
During my tenure of service in the Immigration Department, I served at the border town of Rantau Panjang in Kelantan for over 12 years. I had the opportunity of meeting this great man.
Dato’ Nik Aziz was friendly and very approachable. He mixed freely with the rakyat and they all loved him. Friends and foes, from near and far, came to pay respect to this great leader, known fondly as Tok Guru, when his body was laid to rest in his village, Kampong Pulau Melaka.
The nation has indeed lost an exemplary leader one who never used his position for personal gains. May his soul rest in peace.
K. Letchimanan
