The government science agency was ordered by the Office of the Prime Minister not to host Friday’s seminar by a Norwegian company claiming to offer cheaper and cleaner energy solutions, The Sunday Times has learnt.

The agency chairman, Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando yesterday confirmed he received instructions from the OPM “not to have anything to do with the conference”.

The reason given, he added, was that the conference did not fall under the Malta Council for Science and Technology’s remit.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said that he had to deliver the opening speech at the conference and the agency’s chief executive Nicholas Sammut was to address participants.

Adverts that appeared in some newspapers, including The Sunday Times, had announced that the business meeting was to be held at Villa Bighi under the aegis of the MCST.

However, the agency’s withdrawal prompted a change of venue and the meeting was held at the Westin Dragonara Hotel instead.

Dr Pullicino Orlando and Dr Sammut did not attend the presentation and no government officials were present. However, Enemalta was represented by its executive chairman and chief technical officer.

Nationalist MP Jesmond Mugliett was the only politician from the ruling party to attend.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com