Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a retired Federal Court judge, has been named chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) under the MMM Act 2025. The announcement, unanimously endorsed by board members on May 26, has drawn positive responses from industry stakeholders who believe her judicial credentials will enhance the council's credibility and its role in safeguarding media standards.

Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong emphasized that Nallini's legal experience provides the foundation needed for principled leadership. Her background offers an impartial perspective uncoloured by political or commercial concerns, he noted, allowing the council to operate with fairness and accountability while building public confidence in media institutions.

National Journalism Laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin traced the concept of independent leadership to earlier visions for media oversight, recalling that the MMM's 2018 establishment alongside then Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo reflected a commitment to having an autonomous, respected figure at the helm. An appointment of this calibre fulfils the original aspiration for a trusted institution, he said.

Malaysian Media Clubs Association president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak saw the leadership transition as an opportunity to strengthen the council's statutory powers. He highlighted that current legal gaps prevent the MMM from addressing numerous complaints from practitioners. Reviewing the MMM Act could enable the body to better protect members' rights and resolve industry disputes, he suggested.

The timing of Nallini's appointment addresses mounting pressures facing journalism, including disinformation campaigns and artificial intelligence developments, Mohamad Fauzi added. Her appointment signals a commitment to preserving media autonomy while fostering professional accountability—qualities essential for maintaining public trust in an increasingly complex information landscape.