TAWAU: The National Unity and Integration Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department will conduct more mediation courses next year to generate more skillful mediators and coaches serving the people.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said, mediators act like soldiers of peace in resolving community problems especially on matters related to the neighbourhood.
Besides the continuation of the Rukun Tetangga (RT) programmes and activities, Koh suggested that the department would generate and produce more mediators as agents of the community since mediators play proactive roles in enhancing the effectiveness of RT as well as solving conflicts occurring in their neighbourhoods.
Koh was speaking when presenting letters of appointment to the mediators community for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan here yesterday.
The mediators programme was incepted since 2009 and currently has a total of 299 mediators throughout the country. Koh also suggested that every RT unit should have a mediator.
“It is important to generate more mediators to enhance the effectiveness of solving the people’s problem or other matter related to the neighbourhood.
“They have the responsibility to work together with the police in the prevention of crimes,” Koh pointed out.
According to Koh, mediators offer their services on a voluntary basis and they do not occupy any job position, but are like special community leaders to carry out meaningful tasks and responsibilities.