Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, in remembering the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, said Nik Aziz's demise yesterday has 'enlightened' him.

Hishammuddin said the revered PAS veteran's passing showed him how human personalities were only temporary in nature.

"I realise that we have to go, someday. In leading the country, there are limits to engaging in politics.

"It has enlightened my colleagues, and me, that in politics, do not destabilise (porak-peranda) the country because, in the end, we will all be meeting God," Hishammuddin ( left ) said in Putrajaya today.

He was reacting to the passing away of the former Kelantan menteri besar Nik Aziz, 84, in Pulau Melaka, Kelantan last night after a protracted battle with prostrate cancer.

Hishammuddin said he respected Nik Abdul Aziz as a leader based on the various values that he encapsulated and which could be adopted.

"But we cannot run away from the fact that we are different, politically.

"Nevertheless, I am sad for the loss of a leader who has left his mark on the country's politics," he said.

'A big void'

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin ( left ), who was also present, expressed his condolences to Nik Abdul Aziz's family.

"I convey my condolences to his family, especially to (his son) Nik Mohd Abduh whom I know. Although we are different in political ideologies, his loss is a big one for the country.

"A political and religious leader, Nik Abdul Aziz did not just influence the veterans but youths as well. As young people in Umno (referring to Hishammuddin and himself), we respect him as a political figure.

"His demise will leave a big void in the country's political world," he said.

The ministers were speaking at a press conference held after the onboarding session of the National Service transformation lab programme.