The Malaysian media industry has responded positively to the announcement that Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a retired Federal Court judge, will head the Malaysian Media Council (MMM). The board unanimously endorsed her appointment during a meeting on May 26. Media practitioners view her extensive legal background as a significant asset for guiding the self-regulatory body established under the MMM Act 2025.
Datuk Yong Soo Heong, president of the Malaysian Press Institute, underscored how Nallini's judicial experience would anchor the council's leadership in principles of justice, transparency and accountability. He noted that her independent standing, removed from political and commercial pressures, positioned her to ensure fair and impartial decisions that serve the public interest. This appointment, Yong added, would reinforce public trust in the media's democratic role.
National Journalism Laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin linked the appointment to longstanding aspirations for the MMM that date back to discussions about establishing the National Union of Newspaper Editors during the 1980s. He recalled championing the vision of independent council leadership when he helped launch the MMM's formation in 2018 alongside then Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Kadir expressed confidence that Nallini's appointment would fulfil the prerequisite of genuine independence that both the industry and public would recognise and trust.
Mohamad Fauzi Ishak, president of the Malaysian Media Clubs Association, framed the appointment as timely given mounting pressures the sector faces, from misinformation to rapid artificial intelligence advancement. He suggested the occasion provided an opportunity to review the MMM Act and clarify its statutory authority, noting the council has struggled to address complaints due to insufficient legal provisions. Nallini's credibility and understanding of industry challenges, he argued, positioned her to strengthen both media freedom and professional accountability.
Fauzi stressed the importance of maintaining the MMM's independence from external influence, whether political or commercial, to preserve confidence among practitioners and the public alike. With industry cooperation, he said, the council under Nallini's stewardship could build a more professional and accountable media ecosystem better equipped to navigate contemporary challenges.
