African National Congress MP Andrew Feinstein has resigned from Parliament, citing his party and the government's handling of the investigation into South Africa's controversial arms deal as a reason for his decision.

"I have realised over the past few months that I can no longer play a meaningful role in Parliament under the present political strictures," he said in a statement issued at midday on Thursday.

Feinstein said he intended to remain a member of the ANC.

Feinstein was replaced as head of the ANC's study group in the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) earlier this year, following disagreements with colleagues over the probe into the arms deal.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.