Samsung denies any wrongdoing.

The move came after one of the firm's former executives accused the company of bribing police and politicians to stop probes into its management.

Samsung vigorously denies the claims, which also include allegations it used a slush fund to finance bribes.

South Korean authorities have stepped up anti-corruption activities, going after some of its largest companies.

'Public confidence'

The National Assembly passed a bill demanding the investigation at Samsung on Friday.

Its remit includes examining whether the firm made improper payments during campaigning for the 2002 presidential election.

State prosecutors have already begun an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing at Samsung, but in the bill MPs said that this could not "earn the people's confidence".

Samsung said that it was "regretful that an independent counsel probe will take place when the business environment is in a difficult situation".

Earlier this year, six Samsung executives pleaded guilty in the US to charges of fixing the price of microchips.

In February, the chairman of Hyundai Motor Company - one of South Korea's biggest firms - was sentenced to three years in jail for embezzlement and breach of trust.