Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has been named chair of the Malaysian Media Council, following a unanimous decision by its board on May 26, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The council was created under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 as a self-regulatory body aimed at strengthening journalistic standards, managing public complaints, promoting ethical media practices, and defending media freedom [1, 2, 3].
Nallini retired from Malaysia’s Federal Court in February 2026 after 18 years on the bench, serving across all three tiers of the superior judiciary [1, 3]. She authored around 325 reported judgments, including landmark cases spanning constitutional and commercial law [1, 3]. Notably, she was the first woman of South Asian ethnicity elevated to Malaysia’s superior courts [1, 3]. Prior to her judicial service, she practised law for over 20 years at Messrs Skrine [1, 3].
Currently, Nallini works as an arbitrator and mediator [1, 3]. She also holds positions as Vice Chair of the International Bar Association's Judges Forum and as a judge on the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre [1, 3].
Under Nallini’s leadership, the Malaysian Media Council plans to focus on strengthening its institution, implementing a Code of Conduct, developing a fair public complaints mechanism, improving understanding of the media’s role, and prioritizing legal reforms related to media freedom and accurate information [1, 3]. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil congratulated her appointment, saying, "May the council continue to uphold responsible media freedom, strengthen journalistic ethics and play an important role in advancing the voice of the media industry so that it remains sustainable and trusted" [2].
The appointment announcement was made public today, June 15, 2026 [4, 1, 2, 3].
