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The Government announced today (December 24) that the Chief Executive has appointed Dr Ben Cheung Kin-leung to succeed Professor Daniel Shek Tan-lei as the Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), and appointed four new members to the committee. Twelve members of the committee have also been re-appointed.
The appointments of Dr Cheung and other members will last for a two-year term from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016.
The newly appointed members are Mr Edwin Cheng Shing-lung, Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun, Mr Simon Ip Shing-hing and Dr Annissa Lui Wai-ling.
Having served as ACAN Chairman for six years, Professor Shek will retire. The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Professor Shek for his contributions over the years.
Mr Lai said, "Professor Shek is a veteran in the anti-drug field and has made untiring efforts in promoting anti-drug work. He is a well-respected figure in the anti-drug sector. Under his sterling leadership, ACAN has made important contributions in the past few years in providing invaluable advice to the Government on the strategies and measures to tackle problems arising from the growing prevalence of psychotropic substance abuse and youth drug abuse, particularly in leading the public consultation exercise on the RESCUE Drug Testing Scheme. On behalf of the Government, I would like to extend to Professor Shek our deepest thanks for his tremendous contributions to the anti-drug war."
Mr Lai also expressed his thanks to the four outgoing members, namely Dr Cheng Chi-man, Ms Sylvia Siu Wing-yee, Ms Ann So Lai-chun and Ms Sylvia Yau Siu-fee. He said, "The four members have actively participated in the work of ACAN and offered insightful advice on anti-drug issues, making a significant contribution to the committee during their tenure."
The newly appointed Chairman, Dr Cheung, is the incumbent Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation. Dr Cheung is a distinguished psychiatrist with rich clinical experience in treating psychotropic substance abusers with drug-induced psychiatric problems. He has been actively promoting the integration of treatment and rehabilitation services and collaboration between the medical and social services in anti-drug treatment.
Mr Lai said, "Dr Cheung's devotion to the work of ACAN over the past years has fully demonstrated his passion and commitment to the anti-drug cause. With his professional knowledge and rich experience in anti-drug matters, I have every confidence that ACAN under his leadership will be able to rise to the challenges in combating the drug problem lying ahead."
Among the newly appointed ACAN members, Mr Cheng is the Chief Executive of a private company; Dr Fan is the Executive Director of the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong; Mr Ip is a solicitor; and Dr Lui is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service.
Mr Lai said, "The new members come from different backgrounds including the business, the social services and medical sectors and the legal profession and have strong public service records. With their wealth of experience and expertise, they will bring new ideas to the work of ACAN. The Narcotics Division will continue to work with the committee, relevant government departments and community stakeholders to strive to build a drug-free society."
ACAN is the Government advisory body on anti-drug matters. It was established in 1965. The full membership list (2015-2016) is as follows:
Dr Ben Cheung Kin-leung (Chairman)
Mr Jonathan Chan Pok-chi
Mr Edwin Cheng Shing-lung
Professor Cheung Yuet-wah
Mr Robert Chow Yung
Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun
Mr Hui Yung-chung
Mr Simon Ip Shing-hing
Mr Kwok Wing-keung
Ms Lisa Lau Man-man
Ms Christina Maisenne Lee
Dr Annissa Lui Wai-ling
Mr Irons Sze
Dr Tik Chi-yuen
Dr Tse Man-li
Ms Sandy Wong Hang-yee
Mr Ivan Yiu Tze-leung
Director, Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore
Secretary for Education or his representative
Commissioner of Police or his representative
Commissioner of Customs and Excise or his representative
Director of Health or his representative
Director of Social Welfare or his representative
Commissioner for Narcotics
Ends/Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 10:14
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