MCA president Ling Liong Sik told a short press conference late this afternoon that "he will continue" to serve, implying he would stay on as transport minister, after having met with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad earlier this afternoon.

Ling read a prepared five-paragraph statement at Wisma MCA at 6pm, but refused to take any questions from the media at the press conference.

There was much confusion as to whether Ling had earlier called for an emergency meeting of the MCA central committee, as malaysiakini had earlier learnt from sources, as well as being advised by MCA headquarters.

However, members of the central committee received a briefing from their president prior the press conference.

"My resignation as minister of transport has brought about an unexpected reaction from MCA leaders at all levels and party members, leaders of Chinese guilds and associations, Barisan Nasional leaders, and members of the public," he said.

Ling said they had conveyed their message through telephone calls, faxes, the media and through his personal friends.

"I am touched, I am overwhelmed by the strong sentiments of support they have expressed, urging me to reconsider my decision," he added.

Ling stated that he also earlier met with Mahathir.

"He has always been a source of inspiration and guidance to me. He advised me to stay," he said.

"After analysing all these expressions of support and advice from all quarters, be they from within or without the party, I now have a clearer picture of what the majority would like me to do.

"I have made up my mind. I'm respecting the wishes of all the party members, community leaders, friends and supporters, I will continue to serve," Ling said, adding that he would not take any questions from the media before leaving the MCA conference room.

Senior vice-president Chua Jui Meng, who was there with more than 20 MCA central committee members, said that "the MCA grassroots have appealed many, many times for him (Ling) to stay.

"They are relieved. This is good for the party. This move will definitely heal the problems that were there," he added.