COMMENT | Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (1931‒2015), the longest-serving menteri besar of Kelantan, has carved his name in our nation’s history as a highly revered Malaysian politician and Muslim cleric who commanded the respect of Malaysians across the ethnic divide for his non-racial outlook and pragmatic, values-driven politics.

In the words of Farish Noor, a Malaysian political scientist, Nik Aziz “was one of the more pragmatic and realistic leaders” of PAS who transcended ethnic and religious differences. PAS is an Islamic party that seeks to uphold Islamic principles in governance.

Nik Aziz was born on Jan 10, 1931 in Kampung Pulau Melaka, Kota Bharu. He obtained his early education from his own father, a renowned religious teacher besides learning the fundamentals of reading and writing at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kedai Lalat.

He then continued his religious education...