Utusan Malaysia has expressed regret over an article that linked former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to the incursion in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

The Umno-owned daily must also publish the expression of regret either on page two or three within two weeks.

Following this, Anwar agreed to an amicable settlement with regard to the defamation suit he filed against the newspaper.

Utusan Malaysia and its group editor-in-chief Abdul Aziz Ishak will also pay Anwar RM50,000 as part of the settlement.

The settlement was recorded before Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Noraini Abdul Rahman.

Anwar was represented by lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan while Utusan Malaysia was represented by lawyer Wan Aziz Wan Majid.

Apart from Utusan Malaysia and Abdul Aziz, Anwar had also named TV3's Shahrudin Abd Latif and Ing Boon Seng as defendants in his suit.

In Anwar's statement of claim, he said Utusan had published on its front page on March 2, 2013 the article titled: "Opposition leader linked to incursion?" in reference to the Lahad Datu incursion.

He said TV3 subsequently aired the news based on Utusan Malaysia's report.

Ambiga said there was no settlement with TV3 and the case will go to trial for the private broadcaster.

"There will be a different trial for TV3. They didn't issue a statement of regret," she said.