KUALA LUMPUR – Retired Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has been appointed Chairman of the Malaysia Media Council (MMC), effective today, for a two‑year term.
Nallini, 67, holds the distinction of being the first ethnic Indian woman elevated to the Federal Court. She began her legal career at Skrine & Co in 1986, joined the Bench in 2007 at the Shah Alam High Court, rose to the Court of Appeal in 2014, and served in the Federal Court from 2018 until her mandatory retirement last August.
During her tenure, she presided over cases involving press freedoms, human rights and citizenship.
Welcoming her appointment, MMC Deputy Chairman Premesh Chandran said Nallini’s judicial record speaks volumes.
“Tan Sri Nallini made a huge impression on freedom of expression from the Bench and we believe she has the credibility to look at freedoms of expression moving forward and change current laws so the media can self‑regulate,” he told Scoop.
In a subsequent statement, the MMC outlined its priorities under Nallini’s leadership.
The Council said it will focus on strengthening the institution, implementing the Code of Conduct, developing a fair and trusted complaints system, and improving public understanding of the media’s role in a democratic society.
Particular attention will be given to the legal reform agenda affecting the media, journalists and the public’s right to accurate information. This includes efforts to encourage a clearer and more balanced legal environment consistent with the principles of freedom of expression, the right to information, journalistic ethics and the public interest.
The MMC noted that the appointment comes at a critical time as the industry faces economic pressures, technological disruption, artificial intelligence, misinformation, threats against journalists, and the urgent need to rebuild public trust.
The Council expressed confidence that Nallini’s leadership will guide it into a more mature, independent and credible phase, anchored on three foundations: standards, ethics and freedom.
It also recorded appreciation to all parties who have supported the Council’s establishment from its early stages — including media organisations, journalists’ associations, independent practitioners, civil society, academics and the Government — in building a self‑regulatory framework for the Malaysian media. – June 15, 2026