Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that the appointment of former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) would enhance the council's image and strengthen public confidence in the body. He said Nallini's appointment was made after careful consideration, taking into account her distinguished judicial background, track record, and integrity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of Nallini's impeccable credentials in providing a new image and confidence for the council. He extended his best wishes for her success during the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 highlight event. The event was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, along with other notable officials including Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and deputy secretary-general Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil.

Other attendees included Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer and HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and Nallini herself. Members of the MMC board unanimously endorsed Nallini's appointment during a meeting on May 26.

The MMC, established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025, is a self-regulatory body tasked with strengthening journalistic standards, managing public complaints related to the media, promoting ethical practices, and safeguarding media freedom as a key pillar of democracy.