TAIPEI -- A former chairman of Taiwan's ruling party on Saturday called for a million Taiwanese to donate 100 New Taiwan dollars (US$3; euro2.4) each to fund a campaign demanding that "president" Chen Shui-bian resign because of corruption scandals surrounding his family.

Shih Ming-teh, former Chairman of Taiwan's ruling party (DPP), makes a speech during a rally asking President Chen Shui-bian to step down in Taipei, August 12, 2006. The words on the banner reads "Topple Bian". [Reuters]

Shih Ming-teh, a veteran human rights activist and former chairman of Chen's Democratic Progressive Party, launched his anti-Chen campaign in front of dozens of academics, doctors and arts personalities at a Taipei park.

He said the money would fund protests, including a mass sit-in next month.

"The continuous corruption cases are forcing the people of Taiwan to stand up and expect Chen to resign," Shih said.

Chen, who was swept to power in 2000 on the back of an anti-corruption manifesto, has refused to step down and described street protests calling for his ouster as a "regression of democracy."

On Saturday, he said those who want him out should follow constitutional procedures.
"The Constitution clearly says how the people can treat the president when he isn't doing things right," Chen said in a speech at a party school.

Opposition-led calls for his resignation have gathered pace since Chen's son-in-law was indicted on insider trading charges. Last month, dozens of prominent academics who once supported the president called for his resignation.

Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that his wife profited from the transfer of an upscale Taipei department store to new owners.

Opposition lawmakers recently alleged that Chen's office embezzled secret funds, and that the salary of his son-in-law's maid was paid with public money.

Chen and his relatives have denied personal involvement in the scandals.
An attempt by the legislature to recall Chen derailed in July because the opposition failed to muster enough votes.

Chen and Shih were once allies. Chen served as an attorney for human rights activists before winning the 2000 presidential election, ending more than five decades of Nationalist rule.