The appointment of New National Party MP Francois Beukman as chairperson of parliament's influential public accounts committee was a serious setback for democracy and it severely undermined the integrity of the committee, said Mark Lowe of the Democratic Alliance.

The African National Congress had effectively appointed one of its lackeys to the key position of chairperson of parliament's oversight and accountability function and ridden roughshod over any chance of securing independent and objective leadership of this key institution, he added.

Beukman, 36, was elected chairperson of the committee as part of the co-operative deal being thrashed out between the ANC and the NNP.

The former chairperson of the standing committee on public accounts, (Scopa), Gavin Woods of the Inkatha Freedom Party, resigned earlier this year. His resignation had been prompted by interference by the executive in the committee's work, particularly in relation to the arms deal probe and ongoing party political squabbles.

The committee, which was once non-partisan, was practically dysfunctional for more than a year because of battles between the ANC and opposition parties over the multi-billion rand arms deal probe.

Beukman said he hoped the committee would regain its non-partisan nature and that it would revert to decision-making by consensus as was the practice in the past before the arms probe rows.

His party leader, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said at a media briefing that Beukman was the ideal person for the job and that he had been tasked to uphold the independence of Scopa, including its watchdog role over the executive.

Woods declined to comment on Beukman's appointment but said he wished the committee well. It was not clear whether Woods would remain on the committee.

Lowe described Beukman's appointment as "a hollow victory for Beukman and a sad but predictable day for democracy".

Independent commentators were concerned whether Beukman, an attorney, would be up to the task of scrutinising government finances.

Both Woods and his predecessor DA member Ken Andrew - who earned praise for their work - have financial backgrounds.

With acknowledgement to Daily News.