Former judges and lawyers will be appointed to conduct mediation in the Legal Aid Department (JBG), according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Azalina, who is the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform, stated that individuals with legal experience and expertise are needed to act as intermediaries in order to help disputing parties reach an agreement without going to court.
In addition to former judges and lawyers, JBG will also engage the services of lawyers and legal practitioners from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to serve as mediators, as required by specific cases. Azalina explained that these appointments aim to strengthen the mediation services provided by JBG and promote the resolution of cases outside of court, with the authority to appoint mediators falling under the JBG director-general’s purview.
Azalina emphasized that mediation sessions can take place physically or online, providing convenience to the public and reducing transportation costs for all parties involved. This approach also ensures that legal aid services can be accessed by communities in rural areas, such as Sabah and Sarawak.
Furthermore, Azalina acknowledged that JBG deals with a significant number of syariah cases, which may create the perception that the department primarily focuses on such cases. Therefore, she proposed that syariah cases, particularly those involving family disputes, be resolved through mediation sessions. This would allow JBG to focus on resolving civil and criminal cases.
During her speech, Azalina highlighted the development of the eKlinik 6G system, which enables organizations to apply for legal clinics and legal literacy programs offered by JBG at their preferred location. The services provided include assistance with applications related to criminal, civil, syariah, mediation, legal advisory, and legal representation.
– Bernama
