Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a former Federal Court judge, has been unanimously endorsed by the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) board as its new chairperson. The appointment, ratified during a May 26 meeting, has drawn strong backing from industry figures who believe her legal credentials will enhance the council's standing and effectiveness.
Datuk Yong Soo Heong, president of the Malaysian Press Institute, highlighted how Nallini's judicial background positions the MMM to operate with greater independence from political and commercial pressures. Her track record in the judiciary, he noted, signals a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability—qualities essential for addressing media-related concerns with credibility and balanced reasoning.
National Journalism Laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin traced the precedent for such leadership back to 2018, when he championed the council's formation alongside then Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo under former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He stressed that the body must not only be independent but also be perceived as independent—a condition he believes Nallini's appointment fulfils.
Mohamad Fauzi Ishak, president of the Malaysian Media Clubs Association, pointed to mounting industry challenges, from misinformation and artificial intelligence to unresolved member complaints, as reasons why robust leadership is now critical. He suggested that reviewing the MMM Act could equip the council with clearer legal authority to tackle such issues more decisively.
With misinformation and technological disruption reshaping the media landscape, industry observers view Nallini's appointment as timely. Her experience and credibility are expected to reinforce public and industry confidence in the MMM's capacity to protect press freedom while maintaining professional standards across the sector.
