14 Nov 2007

Solomons opposition MP reveals unexpected government funding offer

4:22 pm on 14 November 2007

A Solomon Islands opposition MP says he turned down a 60,000 US dollar inducement to back the Sogavare government as it struggles to maintain its majority.

Nine ministers and several backbenchers defected from the government at the weekend, but their efforts to convene parliament for a vote of no confidence have been unsuccessful.

The Solomon Star newspaper says the MP for East Guadalcanal, Johnson Koli, turned down the offer, saying it came at the wrong time.

The paper says Mr Koli had asked the government in July to help repair the ship that services his constituency.

He reportedly had asked for about 60,000 US dollars but had not heard from the government until this week.

The paper reports Mr Koli as saying he won't encourage corruption and not accept any offers like that.