Page 153 - 马佛青55周年特刊

to consolidate expertise, streamline training, monitor impact, and expand
mediation access equitably.

Core Benefits and Strategic Importance of Media- Opinion Articles
tion

Mediation goes beyond resolving disputes — it builds a culture of
cooperation, mutual respect, and resilience. Its benefits span multiple domains:
• Empowerment and Autonomy: Mediation allows parties to control
the resolution process. This agency often leads to greater satisfaction and
durable outcomes.
• Inclusivity and Cultural Adaptability: Mediation is flexible to
religious, ethnic, and linguistic sensitivities. Mediators familiar with local
norms can frame conflicts in ways that foster understanding, not defensiveness.
• Efficiency: Compared to litigation, mediation is faster and more cost-
effective, reducing burdens on the judiciary and public institutions.
• Privacy and De-escalation: Mediation occurs in confidential settings,
preventing reputational harm and reducing the risk of media-driven escalation.
• Relationship Restoration: Unlike adversarial processes, mediation
focuses on restoring social bonds. This is especially important in close-knit
communities or institutions where ongoing interaction is inevitable.
• Preventive Potential: Mediation helps diffuse early-stage conflicts
before they turn violent or politicised. This early intervention capability is
invaluable in a polarised society.
International research underscores that mediation leads to higher
settlement rates, improved post-conflict relationships, and greater community
trust. In Malaysia, these benefits are particularly relevant as religious, ethnic,
and generational divisions deepen.

Challenges to Mainstreaming Mediation

Despite its promise, several key obstacles hinder the full adoption of
mediation as a national conflict resolution tool:
1. High Cost of Professional Mediation: Services from international
centres like the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) are priced
beyond reach for grassroots communities. While community-based options
exist, their capacity remains limited.
2. Insufficient Mediator Pool: As of late 2023, only around 564
community mediators serve a population of over 30 million. Many are unpaid
volunteers with limited availability and uneven geographic coverage.
3. Lack of Professional Pathways: Mediation is not yet formalised as
a career option. There’s no national accreditation body, no clear employment
track, and no tiered compensation system to retain skilled mediators.

151