TAIPEI (Taiwan) - TAIWANESE President Ma Ying-jeou says he will not take a vacation because he needs to focus on getting the island through the global financial crisis.

Some lawmakers have pressed Mr Ma to take a holiday after he was caught by television cameras dozing at meetings and looking tired during a weekend tour of the country.

Mr Ma's spokesman Wang Yu-chi said on Sunday the president couldn't possibly enjoy a vacation while many Taiwanese suffer during the economic downturn.

Mr Ma has not taken a day off since assuming office in May 2008.

Even opponents say Ma should take a break so he can keep his mind sharp and focus on the economy. -- AP