Kuomintang leader Ma Ying-jeou said on Monday he would issue an open letter on Saturday asking Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian to step down.

According to Taiwan media reports, the letter will coincide with the start of a protest in front of Chen's office, which is being headed by Shih Ming-teh, former chairman of Chen's Democratic Progressive Party, calling for Chen to step down.

At a meeting in Taiwan, Ma said he would personally support the campaign launched by Shih Ming-teh to ensure the DPP can not divert public attention from the anti-corruption drive.

Ma said a leader should not be allowed to stay on when corruption has become so serious and he said he will call on DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun and leader of Taiwan's executive authorities Su Tseng-chang to state clearly their stances.

Ma said he will go to the protest site on Saturday to show his support.

Angry about corruption of Chen Shui-bian and his family, Shih officially launched the "one million people oust Chen Shui bian" campaign, later renamed "one million people fight corruption" campaign. He plans to mobilize people to sit in front of Chen Shui-bian's office, to officially begin on Saturday, to pressure Chen to step down.

According to Taiwan media reports, the headquarters of the "one million people fight corruption" campaign announced Monday that if there are 300,000 participants on Saturday, they will form a giant "totem" pattern -- a bow compass symbolizing rules. The pattern also looks like a warrior, with a broadsword in hand, cut down the corrupt regime.

"The pattern represents humans beseeching power from heaven," said a spokesman for the headquarters.