Ma sticking to his guns on 2008 presidential race

Former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who was indicted for corruption earlier this month, vowed yesterday to spare no effort in winning the 2008 presidential race.

Ma speaking during a gathering of senior KMT figures to mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year.

He called on the public to strive to help Taiwan rebound from its "lowest ebb" in seven years.

"The time has come for the opposition to shake off the shackles of defeat and stand up to turn the political situation around," he said.

Ma, who resigned as chairman of the KMT on Feb. 13 after being indicted on charges of embezzling NT$11 million (US$333,000) from a special allowance fund during his time as Taipei mayor, declined to answer a reporter's question on whether he would continue with his presidential bid if he were found guilty.