PUTRAJAYA, Feb 13 ― Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s death will leave a void in the local politics scene, said two federal ministers when expressing their condolences to the late PAS spiritual leader’s family.

Despite their political differences, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today praised Nik Aziz as an icon for the young generation.

“His death will leave a big hole in politics,” Khairy said at a press conference in Putrajaya.

“He is both a political and religious icon for our youths.”

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he respected Nik Aziz as a political veteran although they did not share the same ideologies.

“In terms of political belief, we are not the same. His passing shows that personalities are temporary in this world,” Hishammuddin said.

“We all have to return to Rasulullah one day.”

The PAS spiritual leader died last night at his home in Pulau Melaka, weeks after he was readmitted to the hospital due to his ailing health.

Nik Aziz, 84, was Chempaka state assemblyman. He won the seat in the 13th general election with a 6,500 vote-majority.

His death will trigger a by-election pending an announcement by the Election Commission (EC).