President Jacob Zuma has denied criticism there is a hidden agenda behind the delay in enacting stricter new competition laws.

Zuma’s predecessor Kgalema Motlanthe refused to sign the bill late last year after questions were raised about its constitutionality.

The bill makes directors of companies criminally liable if they are aware of anti-competitive practices within their firm.

Cope’s Phillip Dexter joined other political parties in questioning the delay in passing the Competition Amendment Bill while poor South Africans continued to feel the impact of high prices.

"The longer the delay, the more opportunity there is for company directors to cover their tracks."

Dexter asked Zuma if the submissions came from private entities that have made donations to the ANC.

"In the submissions I’m considering, I’ve got no consideration of which company is this one. I’m looking for one thing only whether they have a point on the unconstitutionality of the bill."

Zuma assured MPs he would move with speed to come to a decision.