It is obvious that communication between the administration and the ruling party would be better under the same leadership, and would improve efficiency for government work, Liu told the Central News Agency.

Earlier the premier was cited by other media reports as voicing support for Ma to become the KMT chairman.

But Liu said that his comments were made in response to media queries, maintaining that he did not deliberately pick a specific time to voice support.

Ma reportedly is eager to take over the KMT chairmanship from Wu Poh-hsiung although he has claimed that he has reached an understanding with Wu not to talk about the chairmanship issue until June.

In response to the premier's remarks, the KMT chief said neither he nor the president would be affected by such talks.

Wu said he and Ma would conduct final talks in June over the party leadership.

He said the issue is not a personal matter, as anyone can compete for the KMT chairmanship in tandem with party regulations.

Wu also said that Ma encouraged him to accept Beijing's invitation to visit China.

But he declined to say whether he would be delivering to Beijing any messages from Ma during the upcoming visit.

Wu is expected to depart for China at the end of May or in early June.