PUTRAJAYA: Former judges and lawyers have a wealth of experience to conduct and strengthen the mediation process in the Legal Aid Department (JBG), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“They have the experience and expertise in law needed to act as intermediaries in the effort to assist the disputing parties to reach an agreement without the cases being brought to court,” she said.
Speaking to reporters after launching eKlinik Guaman 6G JBG here yesterday, Azalina said that JBG would also get the services of lawyers and non-governmental organisation (NGO) legal practitioners to act as mediators, subject to cases that need to be handled.
“These appointments are made to strengthen mediation services by promoting the resolution of cases outside of court,” she said, adding that appointing mediators was under the purview of the JBG director-general.
Azalina said mediation sessions can be conducted not only physically but also online to facilitate the public as well as reduce transportation costs.
In addition, Azalina pointed out that the legal aid department handles a significant number of syariah cases, leading to the perception that the department focuses primarily on such cases.
Following this, she proposed that syariah cases, especially those involving family disputes, be resolved through mediation sessions, as this would allow JBG to focus on resolving civil and criminal cases.
