KUALA LUMPUR: Former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has been appointed chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC).
The council said Nallini’s appointment was unanimously endorsed by members of the MMC Board at a meeting on May 26.
MMC described the appointment as a significant milestone in strengthening its role as an independent, credible, public interest- driven and self-regulatory body for the media industry.
“Her longstanding commitment to judicial independence, the rule of law and access to justice makes her uniquely qualified to lead the council as it begins its role in fostering a free, responsible and self-regulating media in Malaysia,” it said in a statement.
Nallini retired from the Federal Court in February after serving 18 years in the judiciary.
She is also vice-chairman of the International Bar Association Judges’ Forum, a member of the Steering Group of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts, and a judge at the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre.
Established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025, the MMC serves as the media industry’s self-regulatory body, with responsibilities that include strengthening journalistic standards, managing a public complaints mechanism, promoting ethical practices and safeguarding media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
The statement said the council, under Nallini’s leadership, would focus on strengthening its institutional framework, implementing its Code of Conduct, developing a fair and trusted complaints mechanism, and enhancing public understanding of the media’s role in a democratic society.
According to the council, the appointment comes at a critical time for the media industry which faces challenges including economic pressures, technological change, artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation, threats against journalists, and the need to rebuild public trust in the media.
“The Malaysian Media Council is confident that Tan Sri Nallini’s leadership will help guide the council into a more mature, independent and credible phase, anchored on three core principles: standards, ethics and freedom,” it said.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed hope that Nallini would continue to champion responsible media freedom and strengthen journalistic ethics in the country.
“May the council continue to uphold responsible media freedom, strengthen journalistic ethics and play an important role in advancing the voice of the media industry so that it remains sustainable and trusted.
“Wishing you all the best in your service, Tan Sri,” he said.
