The Rusila mosque in Terengganu, which is linked to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, has disputed the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) version regarding the activities of its officers at the house of worship last month.
This is over allegations that the MMEA had carried out a raid-like training exercise at the mosque.
The MMEA has denied this, and said trainees only used the mosque to pray and rest and that the mosque was informed beforehand of their presence.
In a statement today, Rusila mosque committee chairperson Azri Abdul Aziz denied that the mosque received any prior notice about any activities, as the agency alleged.
It is unclear if this referred to the MMEA officers praying at the mosque, or the survival, evasion, resistance and escape training exercise it had carried out.
"We are disappointed with the MMEA's unprofessional attitude and actions in handling this matter," Azri also said.
Yesterday, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that 10 to 15 agency's commandos had barged into the mosque with their shoes on, went through the women's prayer area, and conducted a search.
However, MMEA director-general Rosli Abdullah later clarified that the training conducted by the special task and rescue team did not involve the mosque.
Instead, he said trainees only went to the mosque to pray before continuing with their training.
It is not clear how far away the actual training was conducted from the mosque.
Viral CCTV footage
On social media, a phone recording of CCTV footage - allegedly from the mosque - is circulating as a counter narrative to PAS' allegations.
The video shows two SUVs parking and then several men entering a mosque near the women's section. The men were seen barefoot.
Malaysiakini is unable to independently verify the contents of the video.
Yesterday, the MMEA also released photos showing its trainees dressed in religious garb huddled in a corner while reciting the Quran.
Takiyuddin claimed in Parliament yesterday to also have CCTV evidence proving his allegations. However, this has not yet been published.
PAS is attempting to portray the MMEA activities as a threat to the party, similar to the 1985 Memali incident, in which a clash between authorities and followers of a PAS leader led to 18 deaths.
The Rusila mosque is next door to PAS president Hadi's house, and he frequently gives sermons and lectures at the mosque. - Mkini
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