TAIPEI - A DEFIANT former Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian on Monday accused the government of leading a witch hunt against him and his family, one day before he is questioned on embezzlement allegations.

Chen, who retired in May after his second four-year term expired, insisted he was innocent and that a special prosecutors' investigation into his alleged wrongdoing amounted to 'political persecution'.

'The prosecutors, under the pressure of the Kuomintang government, have made it clear that they would quit if they cannot put me in jail,' he told reporters.

'I'm clean. I promise that not a cent has gone into my personal pocket over the past 30 years of my political career.'

Chen is under investigation for allegedly embezzling 14.8 million Taiwan dollars (S$714,434) from the government. He was named as a suspect in the case in 2006 but escaped immediate prosecution due to presidential immunity.

His wife, Wu Shu-chen, is on trial for corruption and document forgery in connection with the same case.

Chen left office earlier this year at the end of his second term, and was replaced by Ma Ying-Jeou of the Kuomintang.

The former president said he had received a subpoena on Monday, ordering him to report to the special investigation group before 9.30 am on Tuesday.

'I have been waiting for this day for a long time. I've prepared for this.'

I'm not surprised at all,' he said.

Chen said he would remain silent during Tuesday's interrogation - the second in just over two months - as 'it is useless to say any more'.

Chen has admitted using false receipts to claim money from the state, but insisted those funds were used for 'secret diplomatic missions' - not his personal benefit.

Nevertheless, prosecutors found that at least 1.5 million Taiwan dollars had been spent on diamond rings and other luxury items for his wife.

Chen predicted that prosecutors would seek to take him into custody for further questioning, and that the courts would grant their request. But he said he was ready to go to prison if necessary.

'I would like to carry the historical cross of Taiwan. If jailed, I would be jailed for Taiwan, sacrificed for Taiwan's independence,' Chen said.

The Kuomintang and prosecutors have rejected Chen's accusations against them. -- AFP