THE minister will have the power to determine the mediation platform to resolve contract disputes under the bill on temporary measures to reduce the impact of Covid-19, law minister Takiyuddin Hassan said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the bill will have provisions to protect individuals and companies bound by contracts but unable to fulfil contractual obligations because of the movement-control order to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“This bill will allow a temporary relief for affected parties from contractual obligations for a certain period. 

“The leeway provided through the drafting of the bill will indirectly provide space and opportunity for the recovery of the affected individuals and companies while, at the same time, stimulating the economy for the long term.

“The bill will also provide powers to the minister to decide the mediation platform for parties to a contract to resolve their disputes,” he said in a parliamentary written reply.

Takiyuddin was responding to Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun-PH) on whether the government plans to introduce an act to protect companies and individuals who have failed to fulfil contractual terms after being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. – July 23, 2020.