Apply same rules to all treatment centres
Shouldn't the Government set an example of correct behaviour?
In the bad old days the doctrine of 'Crown privilege' was enshrined in the law. This doctrine meant that the Hong Kong Government (the representative of the British Crown) did not have to follow the law. Everyone else had to follow the law but not the administration.
For example, an ordinary car owner had to tell the police when questioned, who was driving a car on a day when it was caught speeding. However, the Government did not have to furnish such information.
I always thought this privilege was wrong and thought it had been removed with the introduction of the Bill of Rights Ordinance which says that everyone is equal in law. But the Government is still making laws which include the doctrine of Crown privilege, long after the exit of the British.
The latest proposed legislation on drug treatment centres is an example. Very stringent requirements are made for private operators but the Government (including the Hospital Authority and Prisons Department) is exempt.
Some private drug treatment centres have a much better record of success than government institutions, because they are run by dedicated charities which are always short of cash.
Many organisations may be forced to stop doing their useful work because of the extra burdens.
Surely the Government should not make private treatment centres undertake such stringent and expensive rebuilding, the appointment of extra staff and record keeping, unless such measures are really necessary.
Have there been many needless deaths in private treatment centres?
If such stringent rules are really necessary, then the Government should lead the way.
Its own antiquated and unsafe places should be upgraded first, not last. Leadership means being ahead of the crowd.
The Government should not exempt itself, in the bad old colonial ways, from any onerous legislative requirements.
W.A.T. CRAWLEY
Sha Tin
