Speaking at a Legislative Yuan news conference, Lu said that the party central is in charge of the program, which aims to help Ma, former KMT chairman, understand in depth local grassroots’ needs and development.

As the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration has overlooked development in cities and counties in central Taiwan, Ma’s “long stay” to start with the region will be helpful in boosting mutual communications and understanding between Ma and local residents prior to the 2008 presidential election, Lu said.

The two-week project, the first of the KMT’s “long stay” program, is expected to kick off within two weeks at the earliest, with Ma staying in each city and county for three to five days, Lu said, adding that a meeting will be held in the Taichung area Wednesday to discuss the project’s relevant details.

Commenting on the kinds of places that might accommodate Ma, Lu said, temples, private houses and budget hotels are under consideration by the KMT as Ma himself is a simple person.

Ma released his first TV advertisement Monday and announced former Premier Vincent Siew as his running mate Saturday. The Ma-Siew ticket currently enjoys a public approval rating of some 50 percent, according to surveys conducted by local media outlets. Siew was born in Chiayi County, southern Taiwan and his pairing with Ma has been viewed by some political observers as giving a boost to Ma’s chances in the coming presidential poll.