MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik (photo) today confirmed that he had intended to go on a long leave starting tomorrow but had to postpone it due to a forthcoming fund-raising activity organised by the party.

He said this in reply to a question at a press conference after chairing a two-hour party central committee meeting at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur.

"I am supposed to be on leave from tomorrow but now I cannot go anyway because I have to handle the fund-raising campaign," he said, referring to a show by an artistes troupe from China scheduled for Oct 24.

The event is part of the party's campaign to raise funds for its newly established Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar).

Ling, who is also the transport minister, however, refused to disclose when his leave will take place eventually.