The revamped civil division of the Kuala Lumpur High Court proceeded smoothly today, with court staff and lawyers helping each other out in getting the matters assigned to the fast track or normal track courts.

A queue started forming by 8.30am but eased soon when lawyers began getting the hang of how the new system worked, with the help of the court staff.

This streamlining spells better time and case management in the city's civil courts located at Wisma Denmark, with the exception of family matters which will continue as usual.

KL Bar Committee chairperson Ragunath Kesavan said the feedback was generally good, considering that it was only the first day the new system is being used.

"The court staff were very helpful in directing lawyers to the right counters. Though a much bigger crowd was expected, it was manageable. The staff were well prepared," he said when contacted today.

"But we still need to get proper feedback from lawyers, which will be an ongoing thing, as to whether any other administrative changes need to be made."

In a meeting last week with High Court judge James Foong who has been appointed managing judge for the new division, the KL Bar Committee clarified several points on the implementation of the new system, among them the time period for hearing or disposal of cases.

Case management

"On or about six months (after filing an application), a date will be given for case management where lawyers will be asked for the details of the case, the basis of the claim, the issues in dispute, the number of witnesses required and the reason for them being called as well as the necessary documents.

"After this, the issues will be clearly set out for the judge who will be hearing the matter. Members are reminded to ensure that counsel handling the matter attend the case management," the Bar said in a letter sent out to about 5,000 lawyers in the city on Sept 11.

A counter to handle general enquiries from lawyers was also set up today and two court staff workers were assigned to handle telephone enquiries.

"If lawyers face any problems on particular files, they are to approach the senior assistance registrar heading the unit concerned."

Feedback request

Apart from informing its members on the procedural changes, the KL Bar Committee has also asked members for feedback to further improve the administration of justice in the KL High Courts.

Foong, who heads the civil division, said in a notice posted at the courts that the major reorganisation exercise was an effort to ensure "uniformity, expeditious and efficient disposal of cases with optimum use of judicial time".

Chief Justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah will officially launch the new administrative system on Oct 1.

The three fast track and two normal track courts replace the civil courts, numbered one to seven previously, to hear specific matters assigned by a managing judge. Foong is the first appointee.

The revamp also includes the respective registries which are now coded based on the type of applications filed.