Seeking a royal pardon for Anwar Ibrahim with regard to his Sodomy II conviction and five-year jail sentence taints the Malaysian justice system, says an Umno leader.

"How can a peliwat (sodomite) request for a pardon?" asked Puad Zarkashi.

"This will set a bad precedent, especially if he is pardoned. Imagine, after this, many sodomites and rapists will also request a royal pardon as well," he added.

The supreme council member also described Anwar as a "coward", arguing that normally it is those facing the death sentence or life imprisonment who would seek a pardon.

"This is just five years (in prison) and he wants a pardon. Looks like Anwar's ' lawan tetap lawan ' (never surrender) slogan is only for show,"Puad added in a statement.

Yesterday, Anwar's wife - PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail - and their daughters submitted the application for a pardon to the palace, with a copy to the Parliament.

Meanwhile, Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali said before Anwar is granted a pardon, the opposition leader must first seek forgiveness from Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

"It will be apt that the advisory council to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong seeks Saiful's stance, for in Islam, the accused must also seek forgiveness from those they victimised," he said.

Ibrahim, who was a comrade of Anwar during his student activist days, added that it was too early for Anwar to be pardoned and he should at least serve part of his sentence.

The opposition leader has always maintained that he is a victim of political conspiracy and that the charge against him was fabricated, although the government has denied this.