THE Penang Council of Justices of Peace is hoping for the state government to resume the appointment of Justices of Peace (JP) as the last appointment was in 1990, nearly 30 years ago.
JP Council secretary Datuk Ong Seng Huat said the number of JPs in Penang has decreased over the years, with only 66 left.
“There are only six members left below the age of 75 and the oldest is 93,” he told reporters at the fourth Mediation Skills Course at Royal Hotel recently.
Ong, who is also its mediation bureau chairman, added that the council had been working with the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) to host mediation skills trainings since 2016.
“The course aims to let interested parties receive formal mediation training and become certified mediators in the future.
“The trained mediators are welcome to provide pro bono services to help resolve various social and community disputes through the Mediation Bureau,” Ong said.
He added that starting from April 1, the bureau office is open 2.30pm to 4.30pm every Monday to Friday on the ground floor of the Caring Society Complex in Jalan Utama, Penang.
For an appointment, please call 012-4833241.
Also present was AIAC acting director Vinayak Pradhan who gave a keynote address and officially launched the event.
In his speech, Vinayak said mediation is a dispute resolution procedure principally aimed at exploring options for settlement in a speedy, economical and non-acrimonious manner.
“Mediation tries to achieve a common ground in settling disputes and create a win-win situation.
“Parties can freely present their positions, discuss and negotiate with one another, overcome existing conflicts through the mediator’s facilitation.
“Malaysia is, and always has been, at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution,” he said.
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