DA rejects 'underhanded' claims
2010-08-10 21:39
Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance on Tuesday rejected allegations by the ANC that it was using "underhanded" methods to influence ANC MPs to vote against the protection of information bill.
ANC Chief Whip Mathole Motshekga said in an earlier statement "indications by the (DA) that it will engage in whatever means, including employing underhand methods, to influence targeted ANC MPs to vote against the... bill is a serious affront to the integrity of Parliament and established democratic processes".
"As the leading opposition party, the DA should respect the available avenues provided for by our constitutional democracy and contribute superior arguments to influence the process, rather than strike secret deals, including dispensing cash parcels, to woo MPs to vote in its favour," Motshekga said.
However, a clearly surprised DA Chief Whip Ian Davidson said the DA refuted any such allegations.
The DA would use only all available legitimate avenues, meaning a thorough debate, inside and out of Parliament, to engage civil society to oppose the bill.
"No way whatsoever will we use illegal, unethical means to achieve the objective of ensuring the bill is not passed in its present form," Davidson said.
- SAPA