THE Penang government has decided to reinstate the appointment of Justices of the Peace (JPs), a practice that was halted 34 years ago in 1990, says Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Jagdeep made this announcement during a press conference before witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Association of Seberang Perai and Justices of Peace Council in Penang in Komtar today.
“The state government wants to see the JP Council be made up of experienced JPs and new blood. That is very important.
“We believe JPs can provide valuable assistance to judges, particularly in the mediation process,” said Jagdeep, who is expected to announce the number of JPs appointed after the upcoming exco meeting.
Datuk Kho Hai Meng, president of the Penang Council of Justices of the Peace, expressed his gratitude to Jagdeep and the state government for their decision to revive the JP appointments.
“I am pleased to hear this news. We have 46 existing members in our register. We have established specific criteria for individuals to be appointed as JPs,” Kho said.
SME Association of Seberang Perai president Dr Francis Wong said the signing of the MoU between his association and Penang JP Council aims to secure the latter’s technical support and training for the members of his association.
“We are considering establishing our own bureau to meditate disputes among our members. In instances where we encounter complex cases, we will seek the JP Council’s assistance in mediation matters,” Wong said.
Also present were Penang Justices of the Peace Council past president Datuk Seri Markend Joshi, JP Council secretary Datuk Ong Seng Huat, SMESP treasurer Y.K. Leong, SMESP secretariat manager Wendy Wong, and SMESP council members Wilsyn Khor and Loh Kok Beng.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of YB Jagdeep Singh’s office