A former top anti-corruption official in Malaysia apologized to an opposition leader on Tuesday over a false allegation of abuse of power.

Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) head Ahmad Said Hamdan made an apology to opposition leader Khalid Ibrahim in open court.

"The statements were made without malicious intent and were not intended to damage the reputation, image and integrity of the plaintiff," Ahmad Said, quoted by local media.

Khalid is a senior member of the opposition People's Justice Party and the chief minister of Selangor State, the most developed region in Malaysia which was taken over by opposition in the last election.

He filed a defamation suit against Ahmad Said after the then MACC chief told a press conference in 2009 that Khalid could be charged with abuse of power as chief minister.

The allegation was cleared by the anti-corruption agency later.

Khalid said he accepted the apology and would not seek compensation.

The apology was part of the settlement reached by both party to end the defamation suit.