Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has filed a legal suit against Umno owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia and ruling coalition-linked broadcaster TV3, for alleging that he had a hand in the incursion by armed intruders in Sabah.

"They have crossed the line in civil conduct in political affairs. I know that Umno is continuing to do this - buying people to smear," Anwar told reporters at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said he had filed a legal suit against both media outlets for their allegedly defamatory accusations linking him with the armed incursion, without even asking for his comment or giving him the right of reply.

Anwar noted that the actions of these "irresponsible" Malaysian media paled in comparison with free media like the Philippine Inquirer which originally ran the article quoting intelligence sources that he may have met the Sulu sultan.

The paper, he said, only mentioned the reports but unlike TV3 and Utusan never accused him of being involved in the Sabah conflict.

After hearing of his denials, the Philippine Inquirer had also contacted him to ask for his side of the story, explained Anwar, adding that an interview date is being set up.

This, he said, is why he is not suing the foreign-based media.

"Anyway, to sue them I have to do it in Manila," he said.