MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik who expressed his intention to step down as transport minister remained coy today about when and how the resignation will come into effect.

He alluded that he would remain in his cabinet post as long as Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad does not accept the resignation letter he submitted last August.

"We are loyalists. I was trained as a young soldier in military college and I have been a good soldier all along. I take orders from my bosses very well.

"That has been my attitude from the day I was a school boy, young politician, and now middle-age politician. I am still a good soldier," said a cheerful-looking Ling during a press conference at his office in Putrajaya.

The MCA president said it was for this reason that he did not specify a date for his resignation in the letter.

"The general has to make the decision and the soldier must obey," stressed the graduate of the Royal Military College in Kuala Lumpur.

"He has not accepted my resignation... When PM finally makes up his mind as to when I can be released, I will very, very happy to say thank you to MCA, BN (Barisan Nasional) and everyone who has supported me," he added.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said later that he has not made any decision o­n the matter.

"I received the letter long ago but I have yet to agree to his resignation," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Asked when he would make his decision, the premier replied: "I'm thinking."