A COMMUNITY organisation, Min Sin Seah was appointed by the Council of Justices of Peace (JP) Penang as the state’s first-ever community-led mediator.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the launching ceremony of Min Sin Seah’s mediation services today, lauded the collaborative effort undertaken by both parties.
“I congratulate JP Penang and Min Sin Seah for your selfless endeavours to serve as well to build a peaceful and harmonious community in Penang.
“The JP Penang-Min Sin Seah mediation collaboration will create a greater awareness of the community-based concept.
“Apart from that, I would like to urge other similar entities which share such philosophy to adopt mediation as an extension of your service for the community.
“I am sure our JPs are more than willing to share their resources and expertise on this matter,” said Chow during his speech at the event.
Chow added that with the enactment of the Mediation Act 2012, mediation is now enshrined as one of the processes of dispute resolution in the legal system of Malaysia.
“Aside from that, my office receives periodical updates from the JP Penang Mediation Bureau.
“Despite the unprecedented challenges for the previous two years, you have done considerably well, and I am satisfied with the development thus far,” Chow said.
Meanwhile, JP Penang Mediation Bureau chairman Datuk Ong Seng Huat shared that since 2016, the JP Penang has partnered with the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and trained 61 mediators, including seven senior officials of the Penang High Court.
“In reaching out to the community at large, we have created a road map to promote, educate and disseminate the benefits of mediation within their respective communities.
“The JP Penang-Min Sin Seah collaboration is a strategic component of this road map.
“All JP Mediation Bureau registered mediators are encouraged to advance their skills through Continuing Competency Development (CCD) training either organised or endorsed by the bureau.
“At the same time, we are open to working with other interest groups or organisations for the professional advancement of our mediators,” he added.
In addition, Ong who is also the JP Penang’s honorary secretary said the council is also striving to establish a state-level one-stop dispute resolution centre through the state government’s support and participation.
He also thanked Chow for his unwavering support towards the council since its inception.
Min Sin Seah president Datuk Dr Yee Thiam Sun said the organisation, which has its strong roots in Penang, was delighted to give back to the community through the launch of its mediation services.
“Mediators play a key role in maintaining social harmony.
“And we are keen to expand our services to the Chinese and various dialects speaking community in Penang.
“If you know a friend or a neighbour who is involved in a community dispute, please ask them to get in touch with us as we might be able to help,” he said.
During the ceremony, JP Penang president Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam handed over the mediation material to Dr Yee.
The Min Sin Seah mediation team can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 012-483 3241 / 012-516 0508.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix and video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis