GEORGE TOWN – The Min Sin Seah mediation committee has been appointed by the office of Justices of the Peace (JP) as Penang’s first community-led mediation service aimed to protect social harmony by acting as an avenue of “first resort” for local communities to resolve conflicts in Mandarin and other local dialects.
During the launch at Black Kettle today, its president Datuk Yee Thiam Sum highlighted that as an organisation that started in 1921, they are pleased to give back to the local community through their mediation services.
“Mediators play a key role in maintaining social harmony and we are keen to expand the Office of Justice and Peace’s mediation offer to the Chinese and various dialects speaking communities in Penang.
“If you know a friend or a neighbour who’s involved in a community dispute, please ask them to get in touch with us as we may be able to help,” he said.
Secretary of JP, Datuk Ts Ong Seng Huat, said that a lot of groundwork has been done to focus on local communities who prefer to speak in Mandarin or their local dialects as methods to settle disputes may vary.
Min will complement the work that JP has already established.
“We are working with an institution of higher learning to develop a training module for mediation because we want to make this more available and accessible.
“We are prepared to work with any organisation on the preparation for our advancements of our JP.
“We hope to have a one-stop dispute resolution centre, one that will be supported by the state,” he said during his speech.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who launched the service today said mediation is a preferable solution for resolving conflicts or disputes – no matter how petty – before they develop into full-blown cases that eventually end up in court, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
“I applaud the initiative of Min Sin Seah for complementing the efforts of the Penang Justices of the Peace (JP) in building a harmonious community in our beloved state.
“I also congratulate the JP council for achieving another milestone in your mission.
“Your initiative and tireless efforts to promote as well as to educate our community on the benefits of mediation is reaping encouraging results as evident in this strategic collaboration.”
Chow also urged other similar entities who share such philosophy to adopt mediation as an extension of their service for the community.
He said that with the Mediation Act 2012, mediation is no longer viewed as an informal alternative dispute resolution process that is not binding by law but is now enshrined as one of the processes of dispute resolution in the legal system of Malaysia.
Min currently has seven mediators, with three waiting for their approval to assist the Malaysian High Court with disputes.
Mediation services from the group are currently free-of-charge.
The Min Sin Seah mediation committee can be reached through [email protected] or via telephone at 012-483-3241 and 012-516-0508. – The Vibes, March 12, 2022
