TAIPEI, Jun 1 (AP) -- Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian announced he is stepping back from running the island's government, handing authority to the premier in the wake of scandals surrounding the president's family.

Chen issued a written statement pledging he would give full authority to Premier Su Tseng-chang to control Taiwan's Cabinet, and would no longer intervene in the affairs of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, including its political campaigns, the official Central News Agency reported late Wednesday.

The statement also said Chen and his family members promised to "conduct themselves according to the highest ethical standards and live up to the public's expectations," CNA reported.