Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian, who is facing corruption charges, complained of feeling "unwell" during a Thursday court hearing to decide if his detention would be extended.

He was sent back to his detention centre pending a ruling if the custody, to end on May 24, would be extended for two more months, or if he could be bailed.

Chen was first indicted on Dec. 12 for money laundering and bribery. He and his wife were charged with embezzling 104 million New Taiwan dollars (3.15 million U.S. dollars) in public funds and accepting bribes of at least 9 million U.S. dollars in a land purchase deal. Chen and his alleged collaborators are also accused of laundering the illegal income.

Chen has been in detention since last December and faces a possible life sentence if convicted.

The Taipei court on March 3 rejected his appeal against his detention and ordered he be held in custody for a further two months, starting on March 26.

As Chen said he felt unwell, the court sent him back in to custody and adjourned the hearing to Friday morning and ordered his counsel to finish the statement for him before Friday noon.

Chen was elected to the post of Taiwan leader eight years ago but was ousted in an election in May last year.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2009)