| SOMEONE independent of both the HDB and the siblings may be able to help resolve the situation.  | | MP Yeo Guat Kwang tried to persuade the siblings to move their belongings form the void deck when they were evicted last year. -- STRAITS TIMES file picture | This person or group can act as a mediator. Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) executive director Seah Seng Choon said an independent body could help put the issues in perspective and help the parties in the dispute to communicate their concerns. Case often helps mediate between consumers and businesses. Mediation, according to Mr Seah, is crucial in such circumstances as it helps both parties to communicate sensibly in complicated situations. Mr Seah said: 'More often than not, the aggrieved party would not be in the right frame of mind to listen to whatever solution is offered by the other party. 'The solution suggested by the other party, however reasonable, may not be accepted simply because of mistrust and scepticism.' He said the parties could also be encouraged to talk about possible resolutions to the mediator in private - away from the other disputing party. In doing so, the underlying reasons for the disagreement can be brought to light. Mr Seah said: 'Parties normally would come to an amicable resolution after having gone through the mediation process. I would say that eight out of 10 cases of this nature can be resolved through mediation.' Mr Seah cited an example of a case in which both parties were unwilling to compromise. A consumer had bought a fish tank which broke and the contents spilled on to the floor. The consumer claimed the tank broke because of its poor quality. He claimed his property was damaged and he had suffered psychologically as a result of the incident. He then demanded that the company pay him a large sum of money as refund and compensation. MATTER RESOLVED The two parties could not agree and the dispute dragged on for a long time. Mr Seah said: 'Eventually both parties agreed to participate in mediation at the Case Mediation Centre. 'The matter was eventually resolved through mediation and the compensation was settled at a more reasonable amount - one that was more attuned to the cost of the damage, which was significantly less than the original claim. 'This was possible because the parties were made to understand the issues in perspective.' | 
