Mediation as first option in disputes

Wong (centre, pink tie) signing a plaque at the launch of the Mediation Bureau at the Caring Society Complex. With him are Penang Justice of Peace Council members.

TAKING a case to court can be expensive. So why not try the free option of a mediated session to resolve the issue?

The Penang Justice of Peace Council has formed a Mediation Bureau to help those in need while also aiming to reduce the burden of the courts in the long run.

Mediation Bureau chairman Datuk Ong Seng Huat said mediation was not something new and was used as a pre-action option before a case is taken to court.

“Mediation is a consensual and flexible way to achieve a speedy and economical resolution of a dispute,” he said during a press conference at the opening ceremony of the bureau at the Caring Society Complex in Jalan Utama, Penang.

“It is suitable for family, personal injury, commercial and other types of civil disputes.

“These days, there is usually court annexed mediation, that is if the court requests a mediation session while a case is going on.

“To date, there are 40 trained and certified mediators with the Asian International Arbitration Centre.

“We offer assistance to those who want to resolve their case without having to take it to court as it is expensive.

“This way, we can help people to resolve a case outside the court. The services will be offered free.”

Ong said 10 qualified mediators of diverse backgrounds were currently attached to the bureau.

“Three of them have a legal background while the others come from commerce, industrial and other professional backgrounds.

“This will ensure that the bureau is not confined to a specific experience and can help resolve various issues.

“A mediation agreement becomes binding if a contract is signed between the parties.”

However, Ong said that criminal cases where the court proceedings have begun and cases where one of the parties does not agree to the mediation cannot be dealt with by the bureau.

“We will also take on court annexed mediation as and when requested by the Penang courts.”

The state Bar Council Committee chairman T. Tharumarajah said mediation was an alternative dispute resolution process.

“This should not be the case. It should be considered the first option before taking a case to court. Court fees are expensive,” he said in his speech.

Guest of honour at the bureau’s opening ceremony, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, said mediation would help the public.

“Court cases take quite a while and here, the mediators can share their life experiences and help resolve issues quickly,” he said.

The Mediation Bureau is on the ground floor of the Caring Society Complex and operates on an appointment basis.

For further details call Ong at 012-4833241 or Kho at 019-4114802.