PAS’ revered spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat may have died four years ago but the fight for his legacy has become part of the 14th general election.

Such is his hold on Muslims, which goes beyond party lines, that PAS and its splinter party, Amanah, are competing to portray themselves as the keepers of his legacy.

Kelantan Amanah chief Wan Abdul Rahim Abdullah said there was no denying the influence of Nik Aziz, especially in the east coast state where he was menteri besar.

“Even until today, the late Nik Aziz remains an influential figure. He was an exemplary Muslim and this earned him respect from both sides of he divide,” he told Malaysia Decides.

Earlier today, PH chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad was prevented from visiting Nik Aziz’s tomb in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan.

The late spiritual leader’s son, Nik Adli, who was once detained under the Internal Security Act when Dr Mahathir was prime minister, had closed the cemetery gates before the leader’s arrival.

“My family does not give him permission. If he wants, he can come again after the general election, regardless of the outcome of the polls,” he told the media.

Political analyst Hisommuddin Bakar said Nik Aziz’s eldest son Nik Omar contesting in the Chempaka state seat in Kelantan had given PH new momentum.

He said the current PAS leadership is seen as secretly working with Umno and this was something that Nik Aziz would not have condoned. – May 6, 2018.