The Malaysian Media Council has announced the appointment of Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a former Federal Court judge, as its new chairperson. The decision, unanimously endorsed by board members on May 26, has been welcomed by media practitioners who view her legal credentials as a significant boost to the council's independence and credibility.

Leaders across the media landscape have praised the choice, citing Nallini's ability to bring impartial judgment to the role. Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong highlighted that her judicial background provides the foundation needed for principled decision-making, underpinned by transparency and accountability. Such leadership, he noted, reinforces public trust in media institutions as pillars of democratic society.

National Journalism Laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin connected the appointment to longstanding aspirations for the council's direction. When the MMM was formally launched in 2018 by then Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Kadir himself in his capacity as Special Adviser on Media and Communications to then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the vision centred on securing an independent figure of undisputed credibility. Nallini's appointment fulfils this foundational requirement, he said.

The timing of Nallini's selection carries particular significance given mounting challenges facing the media industry. Malaysian Media Clubs Association president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak emphasised that newsrooms now navigate complex threats including misinformation and artificial intelligence advancements. He indicated that strengthening the MMM's statutory authority through legislative review remains essential, as the council currently faces constraints in addressing complaints and upholding member rights effectively.

Fauzi stressed the critical importance of the MMM maintaining institutional independence free from external pressure. With Nallini's experience and demonstrated integrity, he expressed confidence the council can foster a professional, accountable media environment capable of defending press freedom while holding practitioners to rigorous standards. Such balanced governance, he concluded, will sustain industry and public confidence in the body's role.