FRIDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2010 17:16

By Mohd Safar Hasim
Pix by ATMA

Bangi, 29 Oct, 2010 – Prof Dato’ Dr Nik Anuar Nik Mahmud, 61, lecturer and principal fellow at the Institute of Malay World and Civilization (ATMA) who is also a well-known historian passed away yesterday. He died at the UKM Medical Centre of cancer of the intestine.

He was well known as a researcher of Malaysian history especially on political and diplomatic conflicts involving our borders and separatism.

He served as an officer in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service after graduating in history from the University of Malaya. His interest in research and teaching attracted him to join the History Department, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1976.

He obtained his Master’s degree in Southeast Asian Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and PhD (History) from Hull University.

He also produced a few books including ‘The Malays of Pattani: The Search for Security and Independence’ published by MPH and ‘Susur Galur Kesultanan Melayu Terengganu, 1708-2008’, published by Yayasan Tuanku Mizan.

His current project which he did not manage to complete is ‘Impak Komunikasi Terhadap Proses Pembinaan Negara Bangsa dan Unsur-unsur Rasional dan Saintifik dalam Pemikiran Melayu’.

He was awarded the Pingat Kebesaran Dato’ Paduka Setia Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Terbilang (DPSK) in 2009.

He leaves a widow, Datin Rahilah Harun and five children, Nik Nur Adnin, Nik Nurhusna, Nik Muhd Adham, Nik Muhd Zafir and Nik Anis Syahirah and three grandchildren, Nik Amiraa Batrisyia, Nik Ayra Nadira and Nik Muhd Rayyan.