Forum: Safeguards and proper messaging needed in law on resolving disputes

A new law will allow people who cause unreasonable acts of disturbance in the community to be issued mandatory treatment orders if it is believed that the underlying causes are related to psychiatric conditions (

Mandatory mediation a first step in settling disputes between neighbours: Edwin Tong

, Nov 12).

This may seem like a sound strategy to resolve seemingly complex conflicts, but I have several concerns.

These changes could help people with various mental health challenges, who may have flown under the radar, get the help they need.

An on-site psychiatrist will assess the person, after which another psychiatrist will conduct a formal evaluation before a treatment order can be issued.

Those recommending the case to be escalated to that stage need to be adequately trained to pick up on psychiatric undertones. Appropriate referral guidelines also need to be worked out by involving people such as mental health professionals and people with lived experiences of mental ill health.

The new legislation needs to ensure that mandatory treatment orders are not seen or used as a quick fix to complex challenges and that we do not fall into the trap of assuming they will solve such disputes easily without adequate follow-up after the orders are issued.

There need to be policies on managing such cases that may have headed down such a resolution pathway.

Reconciliation would be a key factor, where both parties should be part of larger and more long-term solutions. It can be an uphill battle if one party is ordered by the law to seek help for a condition they may or may not believe they have.

We need to remember that there is still a strong stigma attached to people with mental health conditions in Singapore.

Having such a law may unintentionally perpetuate harmful stereotypes regarding people living with mental health challenges.

In applying the law or reporting on it, it would be prudent to be cautious of the messages put forth to ensure people understand that mental health issues may not be the main cause of such behaviours.

Jonathan Kuek Han Loong