KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 -- More than half of respondents in a survey on Malaysians' views about the criminal justice system said they oppose the pardon plea by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

The rider survey, conducted by Merdeka Centre and commissioned by Projek Sama, a civil society group consisting mostly of academics, polled over 1,200 Malaysians between March and April this year.

Respondents were asked four primary questions, one of which specifically addressed their opinion on Najib's pardon. Only a third supported the plea, while over half opposed it, citing feelings of betrayal.

"Overall, 32.7 per cent of respondents supported his pardon plea on the grounds that he has contributed to the country, while 57.8 per...