Worshippers of the Sri Maha Periyachi Amman temple in Tambak Paya village in Malacca have sent a petition to several media organisations today to gain publicity to stop the impending demolition of the temple.

The petition was signed by some 344 worshipers.

In the petition, the worshippers asked why their temple, "which was renovated using the villagers' own money" has to be demolished when there was one politician who was let off with only a fine for renovating house without prior approval.

They were referring to the Pelabuhan Klang state assembly person Zakaria Deros who came under fire for his unauthorised renovation.

The worshippers also expressed their regret over the lack of initiative taken by their member of Parliament, the Tambak Paya MIC Branch and the Malaysia Hindu Sangam in helping the Indian community in the area.

"The local MP has failed to help the Indians who have voted for him in the past election," read the petition, adding that the Malacca city mayor has also failed to be tolerant and honest.

Among the documents enclosed with the petition was a copy of the demolition notice sent by Malacca City Council and a letter from land owner M Nadarajan requesting the council to withdraw the notice.

Other documents include copies of letters from MIC Tambak Paya Branch and Malacca Hindu Sangam to the mayor to review the matter, and also a copy of a letter addressed to MIC president S Samy Vellu requesting for his help.

In the letter to Samy Vellu, the villagers said that they do not expect any compensation or money, but just to be left alone to perform prayers in the temple.

The officials of the 16-year-old Sri Maha Periyachi Amman temple have been given a deadline until Sunday by the Malacca City Council to demolish the temple's renovated area.

The demolition was ordered on the grounds that the temple's extension, which was done without prior approval from local authorities, was not welcomed by the Malays in the village.

Tambak Paya Umno Youth have also placed banners in the temple's vicinity, which read "Don't test our patience" and "Tear down this unlawful temple."