MINISTER for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification David Day Pacha flew overseas on Tuesday.
Solomon Star had tried talking with Mr Pacha over allegations of the secret meeting with miners but was told that the minister had left the country.
An official from ministry said Mr Pacha went overseas to attend an energy program in Kazakhstan.
His secretary said minister travels with his officers from the Energy Division of the Ministry and they are expected back next week.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for South Guadalcanal was alleged to be spotted on April 21st at the Heritage Park Hotel Car Park, around 10.40pm secretly meeting with an Asian miner in the minister’s vehicle.
The Asian Miner believed to be Ray Chu of Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) was shown in a footage descending the steps of his hotel room and went straight to duck inside the car of the minister.
It alleged the secret meeting lasted for 10 minutes before the footage showed the businessman exiting from the car and went back to his hotel room.
The Opposition Office called on the minister to explain why he met with the businessman.
“The alleged meeting was highly suspicious especially when it was done on a Friday night after official hours,” a statement from the Opposition Office said.
The minister was one of the Members of Parliament (MP) who strongly supported the Anti-Corruption Strategy passed early this year.
He spoke on the floor of parliament recently that the problem of corruption is the problem of the heart and only divine intervention can help change the heart.
By AATAI JOHN
