The online petition was started by electoral reform group Bersih amid growing calls from Najib’s supporters for the former prime minister to be granted a royal pardon.

This also comes after a group of Umno supporters submitted a memorandum to Istana Negara earlier today seeking a royal pardon for Najib.

The group, Pertubuhan Jalinan Perpaduan Negara, also demanded that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob send a letter to the King to seek a royal pardon for Najib.

The Pekan MP began his 12-year jail sentence in Kajang prison yesterday after the Federal Court affirmed his conviction and sentence. He is also required to pay a RM210 million fine.

The petition on Change.org pleaded with the King to opt against pardoning Najib, as he was convicted of stealing public funds.

It said the former prime minister had already been given due process of a fair trial, adding that Malaysians have had to suffer from the impact of corruption by elected officials.

“With all our hearts we appeal to Your Majesty to consider our request to deny any appeal for a pardon by Najib, who has brought shame to this country.

“As a nation, we must not tolerate corruption or the corrupt, whoever that person may be. Let Najib serve his 12 years in jail and pay the RM210 million fine to serve as an example to leaders who think they can abuse their position.”