Brunei health minister fired

Wed, 25 Mar 1998 | Source: AP

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The Sultan of Brunei has fired his health minister amid controversy over the worsening smog enveloping the oil-rich nation.

Dr. Haji Johar Dato Haji Noodin, health minister for 14 years and Brunei's first medical doctor, will "no longer be minister of health" effective March 25, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said in a statement on Monday.

Brunei's Education Minister Haji Awang was named acting health minister. This is the first time the sultan has fired a member of his Cabinet. He did not say why he sacked Johar.

Brunei newspapers have asserted the health ministry's measures to protect citizens from the noxious fumes have been woefully inadequate, charges Johar has denied.

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