Task Force Established To Define MADANI Mediation Centre Scope, Framework

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- A task force has been established to outline the requirements and scope for the proposed implementation of the MADANI Mediation Centre.

According to the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, four advocates and solicitors have been appointed as members of the task force, namely Datuk Muhammad Adam Abdullah, Datuk Mohammed Rhiza Ghazi, Shanti Abraham and Gunavathi Subramaniam.

Comprising legal experts, the task force will define the centre’s scope and jurisdiction, determine the types of cases eligible for mediation and propose clear and comprehensive parameters to streamline mediation services across Malaysia.

“The formation of this task force is expected to strengthen the country’s mediation landscape, ensuring mediation services are fully utilised by all segments of society while achieving fair, effective and harmonious conflict resolution for the greater good,” BHEUU said in a statement today.

The division added that the task force will engage with various stakeholders to gather feedback and perspectives on mediation in Malaysia.

BHEUU also said that mediation is gaining recognition as an effective and efficient dispute resolution method in Malaysia, offering a lower-cost alternative to litigation and arbitration.

Besides this, mediation helps reduce the burden on courts by enabling disputing parties to resolve through negotiations facilitated by a neutral third party, namely the mediator.

“However, the current mediation landscape faces several challenges, including a lack of coordination among service providers, low public awareness of mediation benefits, limited capacity-building programmes for mediators, and the absence of standardised training and accreditation,” it said. 

BHEUU hopes that the establishment of the MADANI Mediation Centre will address these issues and help realise the government’s aspiration of strengthening out-of-court dispute resolution mechanisms.

The centre is also expected to prioritise a people-centric approach in mediation services, ensuring easier and more equitable access to justice, it said further. 

-- BERNAMA