COMMENT Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. That is a name that will forever be etched in the nation’s history.
 
One of my greatest regrets is not having the honour of meeting him. As a 23-year-old rookie journalist, I had put one foot into the door of journalism as Nik Aziz placed both feet out of the political door.
 
However, from what I have read and heard, the PAS spiritual leader led a simple life and remained uncompromising on his principles, which are rare traits among politicians.
 
Simply put, Nik Aziz was a prince among men.
 
If he chose to, the PAS leader could have opted to walk the often treaded path of politicians, which leads to riches.
 
But being a God-fearing man, his feet were on the path of piety and compassion, qualities that elevated him to the position of reverence among the people of Kelantan.
 
The temptations and opportunities to “sell out” must have been in abundance, but he stood firm in the belief that the rewards here are nothing compared to those in the hereafter.
 
Although being the head of an Islamic party, Nik Aziz also took a moderate stance when it came to Pakatan Rakyat and during his two-decade rein as menteri besar, the non-Malays in Kelantan had little to complain about.
 
It was under his watch that PAS did what many believed was impossible - which is to shake the hands of DAP, a party driven by a secular ideology.
 
Ironically, while non-Muslims often viewed PAS with suspicion, when it came to Nik Aziz, he commanded a sense of respect from them.
 
Perhaps it was his simplicity that served as a force of attraction.
 
He will be missed by all
 
Even his political foes were cautious when it came to criticising Nik Aziz and the overwhelming number of condolences was testimony to his stature.
 
And with PAS in the opposition bloc, its supporters now believed that a coalition with the strength to dethrone BN had been born.
 
As pointed out by DAP MP Liew Chin Tong (right), it was Nik Aziz who rescued Pakatan in 2008 when elements in PAS and Umno attempted to forge a unity government.
 
Now with his passing, this would perhaps be exploited once again.

Without a doubt, Nik Aziz would be missed and his demise could not have come at a more incongruous time, two days after Anwar Ibrahim was carted away to prison.
 
It seems that within a week, Pakatan had lost two people who served as an adhesive force to keep the opposition bloc intact.
 
Nik Aziz had led an emblematic life. He was a Muslim scholar who provided Quranic lessons to those who shared his faith. But for the rest of us, he taught us how to live with honour and dignity.
 
And though death might have snatched him from us, his legacy, however, would live on to inspire others like myself, who despite never meeting him, feel blessed for having known about him.
 
Thank you, dearest Tok Guru, for these invaluable lessons.
 

KAMLES KUMAR is a member of the Malaysiakini team.