THE newly established Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has positioned itself as an independent guardian of ethical journalism, with its first chairperson, Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, declaring that the body exists to strengthen rather than restrict the media's role in a rapidly evolving information landscape.
Making her first official address since assuming office, the retired Federal Court judge told senior editors and journalists attending the national media dialogue at HAWANA 2026 that the council would operate on a self-regulatory basis and remain open to contributions from media practitioners and experts to improve professional standards across the industry.
She said the council aims to assist the media in confronting increasingly complex challenges, including fake news, unethical reporting, emerging technologies and intimidation, while safeguarding responsible journalism.
"The council is designed to be self-regulatory and welcomes volunteers, who can offer concrete input into helping the industry combat fake news, unethical practices, new tech, and intimidation."
Nallini said the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections would provide an important opportunity for the council to observe how news organisations uphold ethical reporting standards while countering misinformation and attempts to manipulate public discourse.
Her appointment was among the major announcements during the HAWANA 2026 celebrations, held at the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (PICEC) and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Butterworth, where journalists, editors, media executives and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of Malaysia's media industry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described Nallini's appointment as a significant step towards strengthening the credibility of the newly formed council, saying her judicial background and reputation for independence reflected the seriousness of its mandate.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also reaffirmed earlier that the government's commitment to protecting press freedom while encouraging journalism that remains fair, impartial and committed to its role as the fourth estate despite mounting pressures from social media platforms and artificial intelligence.
He urged media organisations to avoid further retrenchments despite rising operational costs, warning that continued job losses would weaken the profession and diminish the quality of journalism.
"Talk to us and we shall find ways to save jobs but to also ensure that good journalism prevails over the rush to just secure ratings and numbers."
Fahmi noted that Malaysia's advertising market for mainstream media had declined to approximately RM2 billion last year, underscoring the urgent need for the industry to develop new and sustainable sources of revenue.
Discussions throughout the conference also focused on the growing influence of bloggers and key opinion leaders on digital platforms, with participants highlighting the need for stronger oversight to address the spread of misinformation and online content that may amount to libel or slander.
The HAWANA 2026 celebrations concluded with several initiatives aimed at strengthening the profession, including a RM1 million allocation for the journalists' welfare fund, commitments to accelerate innovation in digital journalism among 72 registered media organisations, and renewed support for press freedom and professional excellence.
Veteran broadcaster Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman received the National Journalists Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Malaysian journalism, while concerts, exhibitions and public engagement programmes rounded off this year's national celebration of the media industry. - June 21, 2026
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