A controversial petition by Puchong residents to the local mosque was actually a request to lower the volume of not the ‘azan', but the ‘ceramah' (religious talks) which often followed the prayers.

Malaysiakini today obtained a copy of the eight-page petition, which was signed by about 190 residents from Bandar Kinrara's Section 5.

"First of all, we wish to apologise for any mistakes in the wording of this letter. We harbour no ill-will against the mosque," said the petition, referring to Masjid Bandar Kinrara.

"No matter where we live, we wish to be in places that are peaceful, especially free from crimes, robberies, noise, traffic, and so on," added the letter, which was sent to Umno state assemblyperson Mohd Satim Diman, whose Seri Serdang seat is where the mosque is located.

"However, the loudspeakers of the mosque where its ceramah (religious talks), kuliah subuh (religious lectures at dawn) and kuliah maghrib (religious lectures at dusk), have disturbed our peace at a time when we are resting or sleeping late, especially on Sundays - as early as 6:15am - and during those evenings when we are tutoring our children.

"Thus, we write this letter in the hope that you would understand our situation. With this, we seek your assistance to plead with the mosque management so as not to use the loudspeakers during its ceramah , kuliah subuh and kuliah maghrib , especially in the early morning or evening."

While the azan lasts a couple of minutes, religious ceramah could go on for more than an hour.

After requesting Satim to come to the area and see the situation for himself, the residents ended the letter with an apology.

"We apologise one more time if there has been any mistake or wrong done."

Khir: Do not poke at the hornet's nest

The website that has earlier accused Selangor exco Teresa Kok of leading the petition drive, posted the full petition to ‘prove' its claims against the Kinrara state representative.

Pembela Melayu had on June 26 quoted former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo as alleging Kok, who is also Seputeh parliamentarian, of submitting the petition calling for the mosque to"tone down" the azan.

Mohd Khir caused a stir when he was quoted as having warned the Pakatan Rakyat-led government against issuing directives against the use of loudspeakers by mosques and suraus (community prayer hall) for purposes of the azan.

"This matter has been allowed to proceed because DAP supporters have lately become big-headed. Do not poke at the hornet's nest lest you regret it forever," he was quoted by the website.

Kok has denied organising any such petitions.

Police reports have been lodged against Mohd Khir for misrepresenting the issue.

See petition in full