The Terengganu Election Commission (EC) director has denied that he has resigned and joined the opposition coalition leadership, while PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has not been detained under the Internal Security Act.

Following the takeover of the Terengganu government by the Barisan Nasional two days ago, rumours have been spreading rapidly via SMS (short messaging service on mobile phones) on events purportedly unfolding in the state.

Contacted in Kuala Terengganu today, state EC director Mohd Noor Daud, told malaysiakini that he was "very much employed".

"I am still in my office now, and talking to you. My work is going on as usual," he said.

Before he could be alerted to the rumour involving him, he offered a few that were put to him by others, including reporters.

"I've been receiving a lot of calls since early morning asking me to confirm or deny the rumours. I think someone is linking me with the opposition coalition because they lost the state," he added.

Among the SMS messages making the rounds, mostly in Bahasa Malaysia, is that Mohd Noor had joined Barisan Alternatif (BA) because he was disappointment over the electoral results in the state.

One of these also said he would be joining the BA leadership to submit a memorandum alleging election fraud, at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia office this afternoon. (One other version said PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa would be involved in this.)

Hadi 'not detained'

Another 'hot' message being forwarded is about Abdul Hadi's ( left ) rumoured detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

PAS supreme council member Husam Musa ( photo ) denied that the party chief has been detained under the ISA.

"Why should he be detained? What has he done wrong?" he said, when contacted in Kota Baru.

"He is okay. In fact, he is holding a ceramah (political talk) in Kuala Terengganu tonight."

The SMS has gained popularity in recent times as a way to spread news, jokes, product promotions as well as unconfirmed reports or rumours.

The service was also used during the elections to verify voter registration details and to send out news headlines.