Former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has been appointed Chairperson of the Malaysia Media Council (MMC), the country’s self-regulatory media body established under the Malaysia Media Council Act 2025.
The appointment was unanimously approved by the MMC Board on May 26. The council said Nallini’s extensive judicial experience and commitment to the rule of law make her well suited to lead the organisation as it promotes a free, responsible and self-regulated media environment in Malaysia.
A former Federal Court judge who retired in February after 18 years on the bench, Nallini also serves in several international judicial roles, including at the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre.
Under her leadership, the MMC will focus on strengthening institutional governance, implementing its Code of Conduct, developing a credible public complaints system, and advancing legal reforms affecting the media, journalists and access to information.
The council said the appointment comes at a critical time as the media industry faces challenges including economic pressures, technological change, artificial intelligence, misinformation and declining public trust.
