Lawyers for former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan have vowed to defend a new lawsuit brought by senior cop Ramli Yusuff despite a settlement on a related case just two days before that.

In a statement today, lawyer Shaharudin Ali said his client Musa Hassan had already apologised to Ramli, who is former commercial crime investigation director, in a defamation suit.

NONE"The apology that was made in the chambers of a Shah Alam judge was made without any admission of guilt, which was perfectly accepted by Ramli (left).

Both shook hands like true gentleman before the learned judge. An amicable settlement, to an extent, preserve relationships and the good name of both parties," he said.

However, Shaharudin said the latest legal action by Ramli was "puzzling" and defied this philosophy.

As such, Shahrudin said his client was shocked by the latest legal action which named Musa and 11 others for malicious prosecution.

"That is, however, their right and we look forward to meeting them in court.

"Hence, we wish to make it plain, that Musa will vigorously defend the suit to its fullest extent and may also, if circumstances permit, counter sue in light of prevailing circumstances," he said.

Ramli was in 2007 charged with abuse of power and living beyond his means but was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

He had insisted that the prosecution was malicious and an abuse of the legal process.

The earlier defamation suit which was settled was related to the case, where Musa had in 2012 asked Ramli to explain his alleged "enormous wealth".