MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik told party delegates to the general assembly today that his good intention of wishing to resign as transport minister so that vice president Chan Kong Choy could be promoted to the vacancy was "misunderstood" and he was "hurt" by the event.

He claimed that Chan was also hurt by the "unexpected" development after he went to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad with the "proposal" to enable Chan, the only one among the four MCA VPs without a full minister's post, to be promoted if he (Ling) resigned his Cabinet post after having served 14 years.

Ling admitted that recently, there was much unhappiness against him within the party.

"Even there were some differences with deputy president Lim Ah Lek, and I am deeply hurt by this," Ling said.

Following the general elections, Ling said he had to deal with the problem of distributing three ministers' posts to four vice-presidents.

Finally, he settled it by recommending Chua Jui Meng, Dr Fong Chan Onn, and Ong Ka Ting for ministerial appointments since they received the highest votes in the vice-presidential contest at the last party elections.

"My main objective was to provide stability to the party. I never thought that my decision to make way for others is also a mistake.

"However, I am not worried...," he added, then quoting a Chinese proverb to convey the message that "time will prove a person's sincerity and good intention".

Earlier, Ling gave his official address at the two-day assembly at Wisma MCA which was later declared open by Mahathir.

On why he withdrew his "resignation letter", Ling said that following overwhelming appeals from party leaders, members and community leaders that he should stay as transport minister, Ling said "could not reject the reasons expressed by these supporters".

On the rumours circulating recently, including that the PM had wanted him (Ling) to quit the Cabinet because of his personal problems, also relating to fugitive tycoon Soh Chee Wen, Ling claimed all these "were planned by somebody to destroy my image", adding that he would face these allegations "with courage".

"I will take firm action to protect my reputation as well as the integrity of the party," he added.

"I will not run away from my responsibility; I won't be a deserting soldier. I will continue to lead the party against any challenges