Ying-jeou, a former mayor of Taipei, is charged with misappropriating public funds. Despite stepping down, he pledges to run in the 2008 presidential elections.

Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The chairman of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has stepped down following an indictment on charges of corruption. Mr Ma Ying-jeou has however vowed he would still run in the 2008 presidential election.

Taiwan High Court Prosecutors' Office announced that it had indicted Mr. Ma on charges of misappropriating some US$ 339,000 (€ 260,000) in public funds between 1998 and 2006.

The 55-year-old Ma attacked the indictment yesterday, saying that although he respected the decision of the prosecutors, he was unable to accept the charge, which “hurts me very much especially when I am so proud of my integrity.”

In the press briefing in which he announced his resignation he also said: “[I] solemnly declare I'll turn my anger into motivation . . . and without reservation I will run in the 2008 presidential election.”

Party rules require indicted members to be expelled but top officials have found a way to continue backing Mr Ma’s candidacy. Despite the charges he remains in fact the opposition’s most credible candidate.

• taiwan
• ma
• ying-jeu
• resignation
• kuomintang
• corruption