Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a former Federal Court judge, has been appointed chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), drawing widespread support from media practitioners who believe her legal expertise will reinforce press freedom and professional standards across the industry.

The decision has been unanimously endorsed by MMM board members during a meeting on May 26 under the MMM Act 2025. Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong stated that Nallini's judicial background will deliver principled governance focused on justice, transparency and accountability. Her independent standing, removed from political and commercial pressures, is expected to guide the council's decisions based on fairness and public interest, thereby bolstering confidence in media institutions within Malaysia's democratic landscape.

National Journalism Laureate Datuk A. Kadir Jasin noted the appointment aligns with the council's original vision when it was established in 2018 under then Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo and then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He highlighted that appointing a respected former senior judge fulfils the essential requirement for the MMM to be perceived as independent and trustworthy by both industry participants and the general public.

Malaysian Media Clubs Association (GKMM) president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak identified the appointment as timely given the media sector's mounting difficulties, particularly regarding misinformation and artificial intelligence advancement. He advocated for legislative improvements to the MMM Act, arguing that clearer statutory authority is required to effectively handle member grievances and industry-wide concerns that currently remain unresolved due to legal limitations.

Fauzi emphasised that sustained institutional independence is crucial for the MMM to maintain confidence among practitioners and citizens. He underscored the necessity for leadership that comprehends industry challenges while safeguarding press freedom and enforcing accountability standards, ensuring the council remains insulated from external interests.