CBE
DRAFT SPEECH BY HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 22 JUNE 1988
Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 1987
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:
Sir,
le
I am particularly pleased that through the perseverance of the Ad Hoc group, and its in-depth study of the many representations made by the medical, legal and social work professions, the Bill will now be amended to give better protection to the mentally handicapped. A person suffering only from arrested incomplete development of mind will not be compulsorily detained
or
in a mental hospital, unless the patient is certified by two medical practitioners, as defined, to be abnormally aggressive or that his conduct is seriously irresponsible.
I am also glad, that the Administration has agreed to set
three up a working party in months' time to consider having a separate piece of legislation for the mentally handicapped.
The general public, especially at the district level, do not always find it easy to draw a distinction between the mentally handicapped who are not abnormally aggressive or whose conduct is not seriously irresponsible, from others who are suffering from psychopathic disorders or any other disability of mind which may require treatment in a mental hospital.
The Ordinance, which was first enacted about 30 years ago, has now been revised to improve the manner in which mental patients are to be handled. Those suffering from psychopathic disorders, or any other disorder or disability of mind, associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct, can be detained and given medical treatment in a mental hospital in accordance with prescribed procedures and having regard to adequate safeguards for the liberty of the individual.
(I)
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