Page 150 - 马佛青55周年特刊

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Mainstream Mediation

as an Alternative Form of

Conflict Resolution in Malaysia

Eow Shiang Yen

ocial media, in particular, has transformed the nature of
S intergroup tensions. What used to be localised issues now
become national debates within hours, driven by viral content,
misinformation, and algorithmic echo chambers. Meanwhile, political
actors, NGOs, and influencers with far-right leanings often weaponise
identity politics, framing minority concerns as existential threats to the
Malay-Muslim majority.
In such a volatile environment, conventional conflict responses —
usually punitive and top-down, including the use of laws such as the Sedition
Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 — prove
insufficient. These methods may deter expression temporarily but do not
resolve the underlying causes of tension or heal social divisions.
This is where mediation emerges as a vital alternative dispute resolution
(ADR) tool. Mediation offers a constructive, inclusive, and culturally
sensitive process to resolve conflicts without litigation or coercion. As
Malaysia grapples with the long-term challenge of building unity in diversity,
mainstreaming mediation must become a core national agenda.

Evolving Mediation Mechanisms in Malaysia

Malaysia has adopted various mediation models, both formal and
informal, across government, civil society, and the private sector. The
evolution of these mechanisms reflects growing recognition of mediation’s
relevance in handling both civil and intergroup disputes.
1. Court-Annexed Mediation: Malaysia’s judicial system includes

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