Security at the Legislative Council is to be stepped up after a man claiming he should never have been born slashed himself with a cutter to gain the attention of legislators yesterday.The man, identified as Ching, 53, suffered seven slash wounds and was attended to by the legislator for health services, Joseph Lee Kok-long, before being sent to hospital for treatment. He was later arrested by police for contempt of the Legislative Council.
Lee said the wounds were not serious and the man should recover in a week.
A police spokesman said Ching was out on bail and was last night under observation at Kowloon Hospital.
The incident occurred about an hour into yesterday's Legco meeting when Ching, who was in the gallery, suddenly stood up and cut his arm.
Four security guards rushed towards him but he slashed his thighs with the cutter and then emptied his pockets, pulling out a face mask, a packet of tissues, a bill from the Housing Authority and a paper on which various slogans had been written.
Legco president Jasper Tsang Yok- sing adjourned the meeting for five minutes during which time legislator Paul Tse Wai-chun went up to the gallery to receive a letter from Ching addressed to a United Christian Hospital psychiatrist.
"Over the years I have been bullied by licensed scum," the letter said. "If I die, don't prepare any coffin or ceremony for me. My parents should not have brought me into the world. I have suffered a lot from my sickn
ess." Democratic Party lawmaker Fred Li Wah-ming said he had talked to Ching who lives with his mother in Shun Lee Public Housing Estate and was in debt.
Another lawmaker, Frederick Fung Kim-kee, said Ching had approached him a few times last year complaining that when he was younger he was always being stopped and checked by police.
Legco secretary-general Pauline Ng Man-wah said increased security measures at the council building would be considered, including the possible installation of a metal detector which had earlier been rejected due to limited space.
There was also a plan to erect a plastic screen in front of the public gallery. She added space has been reserved in the new building for a metal detector.
"Many people have become stressed under the poor economy. It is understandable they want to express their views to lawmakers," Ng said. She admitted current measures would not show up those carrying sharp weapons.
Currently members of the public are asked to place large bags in lockers before entering the chamber.
Legislators called for a plastic screen to be erected to prevent observers from throwing articles into the chamber.
Some others feared body searches would pose inconvenience to the public.
Tse suggested stationing policemen in the building, though this was opposed by several others who feared it would compromise the independence of Legco.
Legco security panel chairman Lau Kong-wah said legislators will discuss the matter today.
Last month, a Lehman Brothers product investor brandished a pair of scissors and threatened to commit suicide during Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam- kuen's question and answer session.
