Ong Ka Chuan, who returned home Friday from his official visit to Iran, said, "Many people asked whether I am still a minister. Yes, I am still a minister.

"As long as I am, I must make sure I perform my duties well," he said.

Calling for an end to all the speculation and rumours, Ka Chuan said that any decision on his Cabinet post must come from MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

On Friday, Ka Chuan issued a statement saying he would accept whatever decisions made by the party and government leadership on his Cabinet post.

"Placing the interest of the party and community above myself, I have decided to let Tee Keat as the head of the party decide what is best for the party and community.

"That should be the paramount concern. Personal position and ambition should not be the criteria of a healthy political culture, which MCA strives for," he said.

Ka Chuan lost in his bid for the deputy president's post to Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in the party elections last month.

He was appointed a minister after the March 8 general election after winning the Tanjong Malim parliamentary seat.

Ka Chuan said he believed that when the time comes, Tee Keat, with the advice and consultation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, would make a decision on the various ministerial positions for the MCA leaders.

"At this juncture, I think it is best that we put aside speculations and focus on the work of the party and government, particularly when we need to channel our energy and resources to facing the effects of the global economic crisis.

"I urge the media, in particular, to let Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat decide. On my part, I accept whatever decisions made by the party and government leadership," he said.