Wang Jin-pyng, leader of Taiwan's legislative body, on Thursday declined Ma Ying-jeou's invitation to run as his deputy in the 2008 Taiwan leadership elections.

Announcing his decision, Wang said after a meeting with Ma that he still expected to work with Ma in the election campaign.

Standing alongside Wang, Ma said even though he was disappointed, he respected Wang's decision.

Ma said Wang had assured him of his full cooperation to help the Kuomintang (KMT) win the 2008 campaign, according to Taiwan media.

Ma, former chairman of the KMT, Taiwan's major opposition party, was nominated to represent the KMT in the 2008 Taiwan election in May.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2007)