Editorial | Stabbing tragedy calls for greater efforts to treat the mentally ill
- Horrific murders at a shopping centre a reminder that while Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city, it lags woefully behind in psychiatric care
Hong Kong prides itself on the safety of its streets and public places. They are regarded as among the safest in the world – until a shocking incident reminds us not to take this for granted.
The city has been transfixed with horror at the frenzied stabbing murders of two young women in a shopping centre by a mentally ill man. First thoughts must be for the families and friends of the victims. Leading the condolences, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the incident was an “individual” case.
It may have been isolated, but it prompted Lee, rightly, to promise a review of the city’s public mental health services. He said the Health Bureau would also work with the Advisory Committee on Mental Health on ways to enhance people’s mental well-being.
The government would also improve services at 24 integrated community centres for mental wellness.
These are timely and welcome steps, and not just because the government is seen to be doing something after a minute of horror that left everyone feeling helpless.
Few would not feel humbled by the bravery of the second victim who lost her life trying to save her friend, and of the chef from a nearby restaurant who grabbed two stools and confronted the assailant before police arrived.