I have just returned from a Magistrate’s Court to help post bail for a friend whose son was arrested for a minor drug possession.

But what I am trying to highlight here is the lack of transparency and good delivery system in the judicial department. We all know that a lot of people are appearing in a court of law for the first time.

In comparison, I wish to commend the health department where I go for my diabetes examination and medication every three months.

It has a very good 'flow-chart' to tell the 'customers' what they should do and what to expect when they go to the hospital or a clinic - from taking your number, paying RM1 or whatever to where to wait to be attended etc.

In contrast, the police or the judicial departments do not provide any flow-chart when a person is arrested right up to the time he or she is convicted.

It seems a lot of information on things to be done are only known to the police and court officials and, of course, the lawyers who can make good money.

In the case of my friend's son, soon after he was arrested, the parents should have been given enough information as to what action or actions to take which may help them to save money.

This is especially for kampung folk whose children in Kuala Lumpur get into trouble with the law.

For instance, parents should be told that first of all, the case would come up for mention where bail can be posted plus what is the normal amount for that offence.

The magistrates should tell siblings and relatives that they are more than welcome to plead for a reduction of the bail amount.

The parents should also be told that if a defence counsel is to be engaged how much the fees would be.

For poor people, the court should help these parents and relatives by imposing a lower bail and possibily also assist in the mitigation process because not everyone can engage a lawyer.

If the accused is from a poor family, the magistrate should assist the accused as much as possible as far as his rights are concerned especially if he or she is just a young, first offender.

They should push to close the case quickly just because the court has to clear as many cases as possible.

If that is done, we may lose the principle that justice must be seen to be done.