Thanks a million Pak Lah: Nik Aziz
PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who is recovering from a heart attack , today thanked Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his concern and for allowing his son to visit him in the hospital.
Speaking to reporters from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Krian, he said the concern shown by Umno leaders, especially Abdullah and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak, could put an end to many political errors and misunderstandings.
"This also reminds the rakyat that the opposition is not the enemy, but actually functions as a cooperative advisor to the government," the 73-year-old politician told the bevy of media representatives gathered around his bed.
Nik Aziz, who was clad in blue hospital attire and wearing a ketayap (skull cap), appeared cheerful when asked about his son's visit .
His son, Nik Adli, is being detained under the Internal Security Act for being an alleged member of the Malaysian Mujahidin Group or KMM.
Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan menteri besar, described the premier's decision to allow his son to visit him as 'surprising'.
"Thanks a million. I myself did not know that he [Nik Adli] can come. I have seen him not just once, but three times [since Saturday]. I am happy."
"I also thank the prime minister for his prayers for me. Perhaps his openness will continue for the duration of his term in office," he said.
Invigorated by son's visit
Nik Aziz, who was hospitalised last Thursday, is still recovering from an angioplasty procedure. He is expected to be transferred to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for further treatment on Wednesday.
The PAS leader, known affectionately as Tok Guru, claimed that seeing Nik Adli had revived him
"I do not know when he came back but when I saw him, I felt invigorated. Truly, visiting sick patients is an Islamic obligation, with heavenly rewards for the doer. It is like [good] medicine for the patient too. Hopefully, the relationship of this son with his father will go on, God willing," he said.
Apart from this, Nik Aziz also thanked the doctors who treated him as well as all Malaysians who had prayed for his recovery.
"Most of all, I would like to thank the deputy prime minister for making the effort to visit me together with his family."
"God willing, the visit of the deputy prime minister and his wife can end many political errors and misunderstandings," he reiterated.
Asked if he would undergo another coronary angioplasty this Thursday at the National Heart Institute, Nik Aziz replied that he will comply with the decision of his doctors.
"I understand that I will be transferred to Kuala Lumpur... I leave it up to the doctor. I myself do not actually feel sick, only tired from sleeping for too long," he said.
Meanwhile, the director of the HUSM Health Campus Dr Mafauzy Mohamad said Nik Aziz can already exercise lightly.
"His ongoing progress is very good, and we are very satisfied with the recovery rate of the menteri besar. For someone his age, his healing process can be said to be fast.
"Other patients would normally take a bit longer. Apart from that, his appetite has also returned to normal," he said.
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