Nik Aziz's widow: Tan Sri title recognition for his, PAS' struggles

The posthumous Tan Sri title bestowed on former Kelantan menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is in recognition of his and PAS’ struggles, said his widow.

Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak - who received the title from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on behalf of her late husband today - also called for Nik Aziz’s legacy in Kelantan to be defended.

“My advice is to unite and defend the PAS government in Kelantan, as that is Tuan Guru’s (Nik Aziz) legacy which must be defended, and PAS must stand firm with Islam, God willing,” she was quoted as saying by PAS-organ Harakah Daily today.

She also said the former PAS spiritual leader had worked tirelessly to uphold Islam in people’s lives and the country’s administration.

Nik Aziz was among several politicians awarded titles in conjunction with the Agong’s official birthday today.

Also bestowed a Tan Sri title was Nik Aziz’s contemporary DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

Meanwhile, Nik Aziz’s son Nik Omar said the posthumous title was a huge honour for the family.

“Although my father is no longer around, the title is appreciated by my mother. My deepest gratitude to His Majesty.

“It shows that Tok Guru’s contributions were appreciated,” he was quoted as saying by FMT.

Separately, PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad told Malaysiakini that the title was in recognition of Nik Aziz as both a politician and an ulama.

“He has shown that an ulama can govern a state,” he said when contacted.

Nik Aziz was Kelantan menteri besar from 1990 to 2013.

He passed away in February 2015 at the age of 84.

Additional reporting by Shakira Buang

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