Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian was hospitalized on Monday after an irregular heart beat was detected by prison doctors following Chen's refusal to eat.

Chen, who has been held for five days, has refused to eat since being detained last Wednesday. He was sent to a hospital for a medical check on Sunday night.

On Monday morning, Chen was transferred to the Taipei county hospital for further medical treatment.

Chen has been given intravenous drips in the hospital. Sources with the hospital said Chen was weak at present but had no life threatening problems, according to Taiwan media.

Chen was detained for alleged involvement in overseas money laundering and corruption, Taiwan media reported.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2008)