Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy remained tightlipped on his illness on returning to work today after a two-week medical leave in Australia.

"This is a very personal thing," he reiterated when prodded by reporters.

"I'm fine now. I'm okay. Thanks to everyone who showed their concern," added Chan, who is also MCA deputy president.

According to Bernama , he was met by reporters at his office after returning from the weekly cabinet meeting.

On his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Melbourne yesterday, Chan denied rumours that was diagnosed with cancer.

I'm back in office

Queried on his purported resignation front-paged by Sin Chew Daily last Friday, the minister said he never tendered any resignation letter.

"You ask the people who started the rumours. I've made a statement, the prime minister has clarified about it and now I'm back in office (to resume work). I didn't start the rumours," he said.

Asked whether the cabinet had discussed about his health condition and the rumours, Chan said it did not.

On whether the rumours had affected him, he said: "In political life, this is normal, I've got used to all kinds of rumours."

The minister also did not take questions on issues involving his ministry.

Previously, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also refuted rumours that Chan had resigned.

"Where did this story come from? Who said so? He will be back very soon," the premier said when quizzed on Sin Ch ew's report.

"Chan sought my permission to go on 12 days' leave and I allowed him to take leave," said Abdullah, adding that Chan would resume work soon.

Chan had abruptly left for Australia several days prior to the 50th Merdeka anniversary celebrations sparking widespread speculations over the move.

He was said to have been unhappy over the controversy involving the government's RM4.6 billion bailout of the troubled Port Klang Free Zone, a problem which he inherited from his predecessor Dr Ling Liong Sik.

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