COMMENT | Out of the blue, a former classmate whom I have known as a true Malay gentleman and a devout Muslim forwarded an article 'The Tok Guru I knew' to me yesterday.

It was a pleasant surprise to read about the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat - the one Muslim political leader who has my most esteemed reverence and respect. Never mind that the article was written four years ago in 2015. I have not read that piece, written by former headmaster Jerome Fernandez, before.

Only after I read the article did I realise the link – it was about the PAS spiritual leader and the cross. Of course, the lighted cross on an apartment building in Penang has been a controversial issue of late.

I then responded to my friend with this thank-you note: “I’m very delighted you have shared that piece with me. Tok Guru Nik Aziz is a saint to me. A real Muslim whom I revere and respect. Political leaders do not normally come under my radar for praises. But Nik Aziz is one in a million. He was a God-sent”.

I also forwarded Fernandez’s article to a friend in Singapore and he shared my sentiments in his response: “Nik Aziz was an exemplary humanist and a true Islamic leader. It does not matter what religion you belong too. Religion is just a label. Nik Aziz was a true man of God."

I’m glad that Malaysiakini also published a story of the piece. I’ve also noticed that the article was the most well-read story on Thursday, garnering 6.2 thousands shares and 76 comments from readers. This illustrates the love and respect many still hold dear today for the late Tok Guru. He is truly one of a kind.

There is one episode I remember fondly about Tok Guru. One will never forget great men and their humility and even a chance meeting will leave a lasting impression.

I remember meeting Tok Guru at the Subang Airport many years ago. He had just flown in from Kota Bharu. As he walked out of the arrival gate, he had on him a sling bag and wait, he was carrying another piece of luggage, too.

As he and his assistant reached their waiting transport – an ordinary Proton Wira – I approached Tok Guru just to exchange pleasantries. I held out one hand to shake his but he held mine with both, grasping it...