The passing of PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is like that of the loss of a star’s shine.

Incarcerated opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said this at the Sungai Buloh prison today when expressing his grief over the revered PAS leader’s death .

"I am sad over the news of his passing. I am moved by his concern for my family and I all these years.

"His loss is like the extinguishing of a star’s shine as he is one of our country’s religious figures," said Anwar, as quoted in an image posted on PKR's Facebook page.

PKR legal bureau chief Latheefa Koya this morning had said that Anwar's family had requested that he is let out of prison today to pay his respects to Nik Abdul Aziz.

The prison's authorities however did not give an answer to the request.

Nik Abdul Aziz, died last night in Kota Bharu at the age of 84 after a protracted battle with prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, Anwar also said that the rise of the people was needed to ensure a future of Malaysia that is free from oppression.

"Do not shed your tears, keep on fighting," he said.

Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria on Feb 10 declared the guilty verdict for Anwar in his Sodomy II conviction.

The judge had said there was "overwhelming evidence" that the accuser, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, was sodomised by Anwar as there was "substantial scientific and corroborative evidence".

Anwar was subsequently given a five-year jail sentence and sent to the Sungai Buloh prison.