BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Two of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's close aides resigned Thursday, amid opposition allegations of involvement in recent scandals that have caused Chen's popularity to plunge to record lows.

    Ma Yung-cheng resigned from the post of "deputy secretary-general to the President" and Lin Chin-chang from the post of advisory member to the "National Security Council".

    The resignations came a day after Chen decided to cede some of his major decision-making powers.

    At a meeting Wednesday, he announced that he would "clarify himself", "conduct reformation" and "ceding powers", promising he and his family members would "conduct themselves according to the highest ethical standards".

    According to Taiwan media reports, Ma is one of the controversial government officials that have been called on by theopposition party to step down. Lin has drafted many important speeches for Chen.

    A few months ago, Chen Shui-bian's aide, Chen Che-nan, "Deputy Secretary-General to the President", was forced to resign amid accusations of involvement in scandals and is still being detainedby the judicial organ in Taiwan.

    Skepticism has been rising since Chen made his speech, saying that he is just "using pretty words to cover up the scandals" and "averting focus of attention", Taiwan media reported. Enditem