Malay-language daily Utusan Malaysia retracted a defamatory article against PAS vice-president Husam Musa today.

"On May 31, 2009, an article titled ‘ Menilai hujah Husam ' (Evaluating Husam's argument) was published in this paper's op-ed page.

"We hereby retract those words that were complained about in the article and express our regret over its publication," the retraction note said.

This retraction is part of a settlement agreement with Husam over his defamation suit against the daily, and is published on page 9 of its weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia as agreed.

The article in question was published in the run up of PAS' party election.

According to Husam, the article gave the impression that he is not loyal to PAS and its ideals and hence cannot be trusted, that he has the intention to endanger PAS interests, and is also seen as an enemy within PAS.