DR Mahathir Mohamad was today prevented from visiting the grave of iconic PAS leader, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat in Pulau Melaka Kota Baru.

It is learnt the family of Nik Aziz had closed the cemetery gates before the Pakatan Harapan prime minister designate arrived. 

Kelantan PH leaders said the visit would be postponed.

Later in Ketereh, Dr Mahathir declined to comment, saying he “just passing by the cemetery in Pulau Melaka”. 

“I don’t want to politicise these visits. Yesterday I visited the grave of (former PAS president) Fadzil Noor (in Kedah). He was my old friend before he joined PAS,” 

Dr Mahathir, 93, said he planned to visit Nik Aziz’s grave after the election.

Nik Aziz’s family’s rebuff to the PH chairman comes a week after the late Kelantan leader’s eldest son, Nik Omar, joined the opposition coalition.

Nik Omar’s decision has caused a rift in the influential family, with the mother accusing the son of betraying the father’s legacy.

PH is challenging PAS, which Nik Aziz led until his death, for control of Kelantan.

Dr Mahathir’s visit to Kelantan today is seen as a strong push to sway PAS supporters to PH.

PAS has led the northeastern state for 28 years and is currently under siege by Barisan Nasional and PH, which are battling for the 45 seats in the state assembly.

He is scheduled to address voters in Kok Lanas, Ketereh and Tanjung Mas in Kota Baru today. – May 6, 2018.