Singapore: Three Schizophrenic Men Review

In a chilling tale of three men marred by schizophrenia, their stories of committing or attempting killings unfold in a courtroom drama that questions the thin line between sanity and madness. Let’s delve into the lives of Wong Kwok Wah, Tung Siew Meng, and Omar Abdullah, as they navigate a world where reality blurs and consequences are dire.

Full Review

The first man, 60-year-old Wong Kwok Wah, stands confined in Changi Prison after killing his neighbor in 1991. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder, Wong’s impulsive behavior and violent outbursts paint a haunting picture of a mind in turmoil.

The second, 66-year-old Tung Siew Meng, found himself in the grips of schizophrenia when he killed his own mother in 2001, believing she was a witch. His delusions and rejection of treatment serve as a stark reminder of the complexities of mental illness.

Lastly, 72-year-old Omar Abdullah’s journey from attempted murder to armed robbery showcases the cyclical nature of his condition. Confined in IMH for almost 30 years, Omar’s incomprehensible ramblings hint at a life lost to the shadows of his mind.

Conclusion

As the court orders another year of confinement for these men, one can’t help but ponder the fragility of the human psyche and the systems in place to protect both society and the afflicted. The echoes of their actions linger, a somber reminder of the complexities of mental health and justice.

FAQs

1. What were the crimes committed by the three men?
   Wong Kwok Wah killed his neighbor, Tung Siew Meng killed his mother, and Omar Abdullah attempted murder and armed robbery.
2. Why were they acquitted of murder?
   They were acquitted on the basis of an unsound mind, diagnosed with schizophrenia.
3. Where are they currently confined?
   Wong is in Changi Prison, Tung and Omar are in IMH.
4. What were the reasons for their continued confinement?
   High risk of causing harm, persistent schizophrenia symptoms, lack of insight into their condition, and rejection of treatment.
5. Did any of them have legal representation?
   Wong had a lawyer during his trial, but not during the recent hearing. Tung and Omar did not object to their continued confinement.
6. What were Tung’s delusions?
   He believed that IMH staff and other patients were “devils attacking him.”
7. What led to Omar’s release being revoked?
   He attempted armed robbery after his release, leading to his confinement at IMH again.
8. How did the court handle the men’s requests during the hearing?
   Justice Thean granted the applications for continued confinement, considering the risks and complexities of their conditions.
9. Did any of the men have support systems outside of confinement?
   Tung was estranged from his family, while Omar’s sister had made an unsuccessful application for his release with conditions.
10. What were the significant aspects of their mental health conditions?
    Paranoid schizophrenia, delusions, lack of insight into their conditions, and ongoing persecutory beliefs were prevalent in their cases.

Tags

Schizophrenia, Mental Health, Confined, Court, Singapore