KUALA LUMPUR – The initial decision to cancel the e-Jamin online bail payment system was made without the knowledge of the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, the division said.
It assured that the system would remain in use and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim supported the digitisation of government services.
“The Legal Affairs Division would like to emphasise that the decision to cancel (e-Jamin) was made without our knowledge and without any discussion with this division which should have been consulted in addition to the views of all relevant parties.
“Therefore, the Prime Minister’s Department has made the decision to continue using the e-Jamin system in line with the aspirations of the Madani government and the wishes of the prime minister who encourages the digitisation of the government service system for the convenience and wellbeing of the people as a whole,” it said in a statement tonight.
KENYATAAN MEDIA
— Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-Undang, JPM (@bheuu_jpm) May 17, 2024
Penggunaan Sistem E-Jamin Diteruskan
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Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-undang,
Jabatan Perdana Menteri
17 Mei 2024#bheu#JabatanPerdanaMenteri#MalaysiaMADANI pic.twitter.com/tfzkFXD0EH
Scoop reported earlier tonight the e-Jamin system would remain in use and not be halted from May 19, as initially decided. The transfer of RM200 mil in bailors’ funds to the Prime Minister’s Department will also not be made.
The cessation of the system and transfer of funds had been disclosed by Pertama Digital Bhd in a filing to Bursa Malaysia. In its filing, the company said its subsidiary, Dapat Vista (M) Sdn Bhd, which manages e-Jamin, had been directed on the move by the judiciary on April 30.
News of e-Jamin’s cessation two days ago led to some lawyers expressing concern about its impact on the public, as well as over the sudden and arbitrary decision without any apparent rationale.
A memorandum signed by 51 lawyers was handed to the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday demanding transparency and an explanation, and for e-Jamin to be continued until an alternative is developed.
The Bar, meanwhile, had a meeting with the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court yesterday to appeal for a deferment of the termination.
A circular from the Bar yesterday informed members of this meeting, where several concerns were raised, including the ramifications of terminating e-Jamin and the potential impact on accused persons – particularly those from the B40 group who might face prolonged incarceration due to the administrative change.
The e-Jamin system streamlines the payment and refund of bail monies, reducing the long waiting and queues in court.
It would allow bailors to post bail via electronic devices by filling up an online form and making a payment via FPX. – May 18, 2024
