Nik Abdul Aziz Was Like A Father - Journalist
Nik Abdul Aziz Was Like A Father - Journalist
The late PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, or more affectionately known as Tok Guru, was likened to a father who never wavered from giving advice to his children.
Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Zabidi Ishar recalls that during his 22 years as a journalist in Kelantan, Nik Abdul Aziz who was Kelantan menteri besar for more than two decades beginning 1990, was for him a gentle person, even though he was firm on his stance.
"Tok Guru had once told us that the duty of a reporter is akin to a preacher's, but it has to be carried out in the right manner and intention.
"All throughout his life, he was someone who was cheerful and easily approachable," he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Nik Abdul Aziz, 84, died at his home in Pulau Melaka here at 9.40pm last night, about an hour after returning from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian.
Nik Abdul Aziz, who had also served as Chempaka member of parliament, was treated at the hospital since Jan 19, for prostrate cancer.
Zabidi, who is now serving as a reporter in Muar, Johor, said Nik Abdul Aziz always entertained questions from reporters even during his final moments when his health began to deteriorate.
"There was an instance when due to his weakness, he sat on the steps of his home while answering questions. Even though it was just for a minute, he would definitely cooperate and give his commments. That is the Nik Abdul Aziz I knew.
"Personally, I feel his loss. May his soul be graced upon," he said.
Berita Harian specialist writer Veena Rusli said Nik Abdul Aziz was someone easily approachable, and understood the role of reporters although he was often asked provocative questions, especially relating to political issues in the country.
Veena, who had served in Kelantan from 1996 to 2003 said Nik Abdul Aziz was a man full of profound metaphors, besides liking to joke, but he often followed it up with "that, the reporters need not write, I also want to joke with reporters."
"I had once asked him what it was that he read every time someone brought him a bottle of water, to be made into 'healing' water. He smiled before replying: "Usually, I read surah Al-Fatihah. That's all. It's better if parents themselves prayed for their children.
"Among the quotes which was often said by him was that 'the duty of a reporter was similar to that of a preacher. I teach religion, reporters educate the public. In the end, we all will answer in front of God'," she added.
Meanwhile for students of Maahad Darul Anuar which was founded by Nik Abdul Aziz, the loss of the legendary Kelantan politician and opposition icon was dearly felt as he had contributed much towards the setting up of the religious school.
Mohamad Firdaus Faezan, 14, from Kepala Batas, Penang, said he often saw Nik Abdul Aziz pray at Masjid Tok Guru Pulau Melaka which was next to the former menteri besar's home, but he had never gotten a chance to speak with him.
It is said that great politicians do not die...they just fade away.
-- BERNAMA
The late PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, or more affectionately known as Tok Guru, was likened to a father who never wavered from giving advice to his children.
Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Zabidi Ishar recalls that during his 22 years as a journalist in Kelantan, Nik Abdul Aziz who was Kelantan menteri besar for more than two decades beginning 1990, was for him a gentle person, even though he was firm on his stance.
"Tok Guru had once told us that the duty of a reporter is akin to a preacher's, but it has to be carried out in the right manner and intention.
"All throughout his life, he was someone who was cheerful and easily approachable," he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Nik Abdul Aziz, 84, died at his home in Pulau Melaka here at 9.40pm last night, about an hour after returning from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian.
Nik Abdul Aziz, who had also served as Chempaka member of parliament, was treated at the hospital since Jan 19, for prostrate cancer.
Zabidi, who is now serving as a reporter in Muar, Johor, said Nik Abdul Aziz always entertained questions from reporters even during his final moments when his health began to deteriorate.
"There was an instance when due to his weakness, he sat on the steps of his home while answering questions. Even though it was just for a minute, he would definitely cooperate and give his commments. That is the Nik Abdul Aziz I knew.
"Personally, I feel his loss. May his soul be graced upon," he said.
Berita Harian specialist writer Veena Rusli said Nik Abdul Aziz was someone easily approachable, and understood the role of reporters although he was often asked provocative questions, especially relating to political issues in the country.
Veena, who had served in Kelantan from 1996 to 2003 said Nik Abdul Aziz was a man full of profound metaphors, besides liking to joke, but he often followed it up with "that, the reporters need not write, I also want to joke with reporters."
"I had once asked him what it was that he read every time someone brought him a bottle of water, to be made into 'healing' water. He smiled before replying: "Usually, I read surah Al-Fatihah. That's all. It's better if parents themselves prayed for their children.
"Among the quotes which was often said by him was that 'the duty of a reporter was similar to that of a preacher. I teach religion, reporters educate the public. In the end, we all will answer in front of God'," she added.
Meanwhile for students of Maahad Darul Anuar which was founded by Nik Abdul Aziz, the loss of the legendary Kelantan politician and opposition icon was dearly felt as he had contributed much towards the setting up of the religious school.
Mohamad Firdaus Faezan, 14, from Kepala Batas, Penang, said he often saw Nik Abdul Aziz pray at Masjid Tok Guru Pulau Melaka which was next to the former menteri besar's home, but he had never gotten a chance to speak with him.
It is said that great politicians do not die...they just fade away.
-- BERNAMA
0 comments:
Post a Comment