Former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has been appointed chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), a move that has drawn backing from industry stakeholders who view her legal expertise as vital to reinforcing media freedom and professional standards. The self-regulatory body, established under the MMM Act 2025, unanimously endorsed her appointment during a board meeting on May 26.

Media leaders have highlighted how Nallini's judicial pedigree positions her to guide the council with independence from political and commercial pressures. Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong noted that her background would ensure MMM decisions rest on principles of justice, transparency and accountability, ultimately strengthening public trust in the institution.

National Journalism Laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin linked the appointment to the council's founding vision, tracing aspirations for impartial leadership back to discussions about the National Union of Newspaper Editors in the 1980s. He recalled championing this concept during the MMM's formation process in 2018 alongside then Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo, emphasising the importance of both actual and perceived independence.

The Malaysian Media Clubs Association (GKMM) president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak suggested the appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry, which confronts mounting pressures from misinformation and artificial intelligence. He urged clearer statutory provisions for the MMM to better handle member complaints and address emerging sector challenges.

Stakeholders stressed that Nallini's appointment reflects the council's commitment to maintaining independence from vested interests while maintaining high professional accountability. Her leadership is expected to establish a media environment that protects freedom whilst upholding industry standards and safeguarding public confidence in the institution's role within Malaysia's democratic structure.