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KUCHING, Feb 23 -- A mediation corner has been set up at the lobby of the Court Complex here to encourage settlement of legal disputes by way of mediation instead of going full trial that could be prolonged for more than a year.

Kuching High Court Judicial Commissioner Rhodzariah Bujang said that based on the level of difficulty of the case, some cases could be settled within a day or one session through mediation but the complex cases might take more than one session.

"The mediation service offered by the courts is free of charge and involves only civil cases," she told a news conference here Tuesday.

Rhodzariah said the mediation sessions would be conducted by a High Court judge, Sessions Court judge, deputy registrar or magistrate and the parties concerned could choose the judge or court officer to conduct the mediation.

"The parties should not have any fear of the judge or court officer being biased if the mediation fails because should the case go for full trial a different judge or court officer will be assigned to hear the case," she said.

She said leaflets with a brief explanation on the mediation process in various languages and a consent slip for parties to fill, should they agree to settle by mediation, were available at the mediation corner.

"The advantage of mediation is it a win-win situation as the solution of a legal problem must be agreed by both parties instead of going full trial in which one party will stand to lose," she said, adding that the court would straightaway give consent order when the agreement was reached.

She said that since 2007, out of 471 civil cases registered, 177 cases had been settled through mediation, mostly involving divorce, vehicle claims, land and contract cases.

Those interested to settle by mediation in Kuching can call the Deputy Registrar, Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad, at 082-442228 ext 136 or the respective court registries in their towns which have their own mediation corners.