Umno today agreed to withdraw its defamation suit against Batu MP and PKR vice-president Tian Chua over his remark that Umno was involved in the Lahad Datu incursion.

This follows Tian Chua's explanation and agreement to withdraw the article published in Keadilan Daily.com.

From the onset, the Batu MP said he had no intention to link the Lahad Datu incursion with Umno.

"We have agreed to resolve the matter outside of court and a consent statement has been agreed. In the statement, I have expressed my regret that Umno was implicated in the incident.

"It is not my intention to say as what had been quoted by Keadilan Daily and as such the article will be withdrawn from the website to avoid confusion," said Tian Chua.

Umno's executive secretary Abdul Rauf Yusof said the party accepted Tian Chua's explanation and decided to withdraw the suit after consulting with the party’s lawyers.

"Tian Chua has expressed regret for the statement and we have agreed that the article will have to be taken down from Keadilan Daily immediately."

"Umno advises that there is no misconception in the Lahad Datu incident as the party is not involved directly or indirectly in it," he added.

Abdul Rauf said the party accepted Tian Chua's expression of regret without any ill-feeling.

Both the Umno leader and the PKR vice-president revealed that no order was made as to costs.

The consent judgment was recorded before Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Rosilah Yop.

Abdul Rauf was represented by lawyer Hafarizam Harun, while Selayang MP and lawyer William Leong appeared for Tian Chua.

Umno filed the suit against the Batu MP and two others in March last year.