Former Transport Minister Mac Maharaj's decision to resign from his directorship with FirstRand was the right thing to do, said the Democratic Alliance in a press statement on Thursday.

"The Bank's image was suffering by being associated with serious allegations of corruption. He should now continue to cooperate with the Scorpions' investigation into the Arms Deal. He has important information to impart," said the statement.

"That investigation should not have any more obstacles placed in its path. The Democratic Alliance urges Mr Schabir Shaik to drop his appeal against answering the questions posed to him by the Scorpions. He has all along protested his innocence; why then is he sparing no effort to try and avoid having to answer those questions? Mr Shaik is creating the impression that he has something to hide; he can disprove that impression by truthfully answering the Scorpions' questions," said the statement.

The DA said they supported the call by FirstRand CEO Laurie Dippenaar for a "cooling off" period for Ministers.

"The DA's Chief Whip, Douglas Gibson MP, will table a Private Members' Bill to prevent the doors of Cabinet from turning into a revolving door leading to lucrative business appointments.

"Many of the allegations surfacing from the arms deal relate to government officials or ministers being closely linked to the contract then leaving the public sector and almost immediately walking into well paying businesses associated with government enterprises. Mr Gibson's amendments will propose a "cooling off" period following a minister's term of office," said the statement.

With acknowledgement to the Mail and Guardian.