Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan became the first chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) after the board unanimously endorsed her appointment on May 26, 2026 [1]. The MMC was established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 as an independent self-regulatory body tasked with upholding journalistic standards, managing public complaints, promoting ethical media practices, and safeguarding press freedom [2, 1, 3].

Nallini served 18 years on the Federal Court bench and brings extensive judicial experience to the role [2]. She told a media dialogue at the HAWANA 2026 event that while she cannot teach journalism, she can "hold the ring" by protecting the council’s independence, ensuring fair processes, and fostering transparency. She said, "Freedom and responsibility are two halves of the same trust" [2].

The MMC Act requires the chairperson to be independent from politics, the civil service, and the legislature to guarantee impartiality and public trust [2, 3]. Nallini emphasized the council must defend press freedom responsibly. She warned it must guard against pressure, harassment, and misuse of media while upholding ethical journalism. "The Council will uphold standards, but it will be vigilant in ensuring that the upholding of standards is not turned into a means of discouraging the very journalism a democracy most needs," she said [2, 4, 3].

The council plans to develop a framework for complaints and adjudication, expand membership, and address challenges such as fabricated content and AI misuse [4, 3]. It is designed as a self-regulatory body open to contributions from media professionals and experts to raise industry standards [2, 3].

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised Nallini’s appointment, saying her judicial background and integrity will boost the council’s credibility and public confidence. He said, "What is important is that she possesses impeccable credentials and will help provide a new image and confidence for the council. We join others in wishing her success" [1, 3].

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and supporting fair, impartial journalism despite challenges from social media and AI technologies [3].

The council will monitor the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections to promote ethical reporting and counter misinformation [3].