Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou (
Ma's campaign said he would start his trip tomorrow and spend a total of 18 days visiting Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan.
Wang Yu-chi (
PHOTO: LIN CHENG-FANG, TAIPEI TIMES
"We would like to learn and experience [the lives of farmers and fishermen] during the trip. [We] hope to help people in Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan better understand Ma Ying-jeou and help Ma Ying-jeou better understand them," Ma told reporters during a "tea chat."
Ma said he and his running mate, former premier Vincent Siew (
"Since we would like to prioritize people's livelihood, we have to gain a detailed understanding of [their] life and means of livelihood ... This is our primary goal," he said, adding that he would also propose solutions to problems facing people in these areas.
One of Ma's stops is Guantien Township (
Ma dismissed media speculation that he deliberately included Guantien in his plan.
He added that he would stick to his "long stay" schedule even if the verdict on the first trial of misusing special mayoral funds -- which is expected to be handed down next Tuesday -- is unfavorable.
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