Motion Debate on The Public's Mental Health

Madam President, I originally did not intend to speak. However, after listening to the speeches made by many Members from the labour sector, I would like to also make a few comments.

It is stated in the original motion that the mental stress on the public has increased tremendously as Hong Kong economy remains in the doldrums, plus incessant layoffs and pay cuts. But having listened to the speeches made by Members, I feel that they have regarded it as the only reason. But I do not think that is the case. Let us take a look at the unemployment rate of 3% or 4% between 1992 and 1993 a decade ago. At that time, people conversely said that working too hard put mental stress on the people and some people would do something that they should not. Actually, many countries in the world now have an unemployment rate of over 10%, would not they be in serious disorder? Since people in these countries suffer great mental stress, would not many of them commit suicide? Mr LEUNG Yiu-chung said earlier that there were some 300 suicide cases this year and all of them were related to unemployment. I think employers in the business sector may not agree with such a simplified statement. In fact, businessmen may incur losses after they have become bankrupt and their situation is even more pitiful than that of the unemployed. Of course, the unemployed without income is pitiful, but the bosses are even more pitiful. So, should the bosses not also suffer mental stress?

Measure (a) as proposed in the motion is to comprehensively promote mental health education among all members of the public. I think this is very important. But what do we have to educate the public on? The Government can educate the public that they should have a more visionary perspective on life. Although there has been an economic downturn in recent years, the economy will after all recover in the future, so they should seize the opportunity to pursue further studies, to acquire more knowledge and to better equip themselves to enable them to find a better job when the economic situation improves. Is such education not excellent? Should we conversely tell the unemployed that they might as well apply for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance for it is impossible for them to find a good job now? In my view, education on health may not only be conducted by the Secretary, Dr YEOH, in the medical sector. We can also strike home positive messages by means of encouraging friends and bosses. On the whole, it is worrying for all the responsibilities for the problem to be shirked onto the economic downturn.

I do not think that the economic situation will improve next year or there will be significant economic improvement two to three years later. So by this logic, the problem of mental health of the public will become more serious next year. I hope that the Government can strike a balance between the relevant messages. Layoffs and pay cuts may be the major cause of the mental stress on most wage earners, but I do not think that is the only cause. Thank you, Madam President.