KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has expressed confidence in former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan's ability to lead the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), citing her judicial record on press freedom and constitutional rights.
Teo described Nallini as a judge she holds in the highest regard, saying the former Federal Court judge had consistently demonstrated legal insight, independence and humanity throughout her career.
"In the narrow 4-3 split decision regarding Malaysian citizenship for an illegitimate child (CTBE) born to a Malaysian father and a foreign mother, she penned a moving dissent, advocating for a purposive, compassionate interpretation of constitutional citizenship laws," she said in a Facebook post today.
Teo also highlighted Nallini's dissenting judgment in a landmark case involving an online news portal, in which she ruled that the portal should not be held liable for comments posted by its subscribers.
Expressing confidence in Nallini's leadership, Teo said she had no doubt the council would develop into a robust and independent self-regulatory body that would further strengthen and protect the integrity of the media industry.
Teo noted that the MMC was finally established in 2025 after five decades of advocacy, petitions and policy discussions.
"Journalists play a vital role in our modern society. They are not merely an industry; they are the Fourth Estate of democracy.
"Because of this unique position, any state intervention will naturally be perceived as a form of oppression against media freedom. This is exactly why self-regulation is absolutely crucial," she said.
Nallini was appointed chairperson of the MMC, the self-regulatory body established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025.
The council said her appointment was unanimously endorsed by members of the MMC board during a meeting on May 26. - NST
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