Taipei, Aug 18 (DPA) Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou Tuesday refused to resign over the government's slow response in rescuing typhoon victims but promised to strengthen measures to counter national disasters.

'I have noticed the public outcry, but at this critical moment, I cannot resign,' he said at a news conference. 'I must supervise the rebuilding of the disaster areas and help survivors rebuild their homes.'

He offered a public apology - his third in a week - admitting that his government was slow in responding and acted ineffectively in tackling the landslides and flooding that killed an estimated 500 mountain villagers when typhoon Morakot slammed into Taiwan Aug 7.

'We are here to offer our deepest and most sincere apology to all the people of this country, especially those who lost their loved ones during the disasters,' Ma said.

He led his deputy, Vincent Siew; Vice Premier Paul Chiu; Defence Minister Chen Chao-min; Transport Minister Mao Chi-kuo; and other key officials in making a deep bow to the public during the news conference.

Ten days after Morakot hit, Ma said his administration would examine its slow response to the disaster but did not say whether he would fire some ministers.

Ma said he and Premier Liu Chao-shiuan had already agreed to announce early next month what to do with negligent officials.

Vice Foreign Minister Andrew Hsia has tendered his resignation over the ministry's rejection of foreign aid, and Ma said he believed Liu would accept the resignation. Hsia has been criticised for asking the ministry's offices abroad to turn down foreign aid if offered, a move Ma insisted was made without his knowledge.

Some lawmakers have also demanded the resignation of the defence, agriculture and interior ministers for their poor performances in rescuing people and dealing with the disaster.