Characterisation Shilling told Nadine Morton from
The Canberra Times that Mali is characterised as being "fun, he's cheeky, he cares for his family". He told
Stuff's Kerry Harvey that "Mali is this positive person who loves his family and loves his culture." In an interview with Emma Ruben (
National Indigenous Times), Shilling delineated Mali as "family-oriented, loving, caring, cheeky, culturally driven." He told ''
Metro's'' Stephen Patterson that Mali is a "happy chappy and is a good bloke". He described him as family oriented because he is "always helping" and "taking care of" his family members. Shilling revealed that Mali is also driven when he wants to achieve something in his career, family or relationships. Mali has been shown on-screen with facial hair. Shilling was diagnosed with
Alopecia affecting his facial hair and the show's make-up department helped him cover it up for filming. Viewers noticed his facial hair loss and began commenting about it online and even trolled Shilling about Mali's appearance. This led Shilling to publicise his diagnosis and asked viewers to be mindful of the comments they make via social media. One Aboriginal Australian tradition they used on-screen was a
smoking ceremony that involves smouldering native plants to produce smoke. Shilling revealed that
Ray Meagher who plays original character
Alf Stewart was happy about the inclusion. Shilling told Bridie Tanner from
ABC North Coast that Mali is not labelled as anything upon his introduction and "he is there to make a difference in his own life". Shilling told ''Inside Soap's'' Penwill that Mali had been referenced as the "mysterious surfboard-shaper" in previous episodes. Mali has been shaping the boards for Dean for "the past few years" but now viewers finally "put a name and face to him". Dean introduces Mali to his partner
Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) and
John Palmer (
Shane Withington), who invites Mali to join the surf lifesaver team. Dean and Ziggy later realise that Mali has "a specific reason" for visiting the Bay, but he keeps it to himself. Shilling described the actors departures as "emotional". He added that O'Connor became his friend so "when his character offers me the board shop, there was such a sense of him also offering me this space now." Shilling believed that Mali had "big shoes to fill" by taking over the role of surf board shop from Dean. Shilling recalled that filming the start of their romance was odd because
Home and Away films scenes for episodes in a non-chronological order. He was filming Mali and Rose in a relationship on his third day on-set and the following day filming scenes where they had only just met. Rose went without romance following her break-up with
Tex Wheeler (Lucas Linehan), a criminal who betrayed and humiliated her. Their initial date is successful and she dresses up to meet him at his caravan. The situation becomes passionate but Rose suddenly pulls away and flees the caravan. Marillier explained that Rose has trust issues because of Tex's betrayal. She added "on the most basic level, she's simply worried about getting hurt again." She added Rose wants a "easy and fun" relationship, Mali is "an exact encapsulation of that" and they have "undeniable" chemistry. When she arrives in Summer Bay, Elandra catches Mali and Rose in bed together at his caravan. She accuses Mali of leaving home for a fling. Writers Elandra to reveal that Mali had left home abruptly and moved to Summer Bay without explanation. She tells Rose that she wants Mali to return home with her but Rose defends him, noting that he has made a positive contribution to the community. Rose then realises she has developed feelings for Mali. Shilling branded them an "awesome duo" and hoped they had a future as either lovers or friends. He could see them remaining friends after a break-up because they are both "mature enough as characters". After the explosion, Shilling wanted the characters to reunite because "this whole situation will show both of them who they really are afterwards", adding it would either "make or break their relationship". Further relationship stories writers explored via them were trust issues. Mali confesses his love for Rose but quickly revokes it, leading Rose to confusion. She then plans a date at Mali's home but is shocked when the house has been trashed. A threatening message also reads "stay away from my wife", which leads Rose to suspect Mali is cheating on her. Rose goes into police mode and is determined to catch the culprit. She even takes Mali into police questioning which shocks him. Marillier revealed that Mali is "livid" with Rose, but defended her character because "Rose needs someone she can trust" and needs to know if he has cheated. She added that at this point in the story, Mali and Rose's chemistry is "undeniable". Mali also interferes in Rose's family life, trying to unite her and her estranged biological father,
Samuel Edwards (
Bert La Bonté). His actions cause Rose to warn him not to involve himself in her family matters. Producers later cast
Matilda Brown as
Zara Campbell and she was billed as a "blast from the past" for Mali. Her introduction created speculation with viewers online that she could ruin Mali and Rose's relationship. It was later revealed that Zara was Mali's
promised wife from his childhood.
Home and Away shared a spoiler video on their social media accounts warning that Zara could potentially "reignite an old flame" with Mali and indeed jeopardise his relationship with Rose. In 2024, Rose's job in the police force continued to break-down their relationship. When Mali helps his friend,
Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) hide after he kidnaps baby Maia and Rose is conflicted. She needs to apprehend Tane's accomplices even if that means arresting her own boyfriend. Writers permanently separated the characters later that year, following their continued disagreements about her job and trust issues.
Bomb explosion and injury In 2023, Mali was included in a dramatic storyline which featured him being injured in an explosion. The story was connected to the character,
Marilyn Chambers (
Emily Symons), who becomes a target of the cult business Stunning Organics. In the UK, a promotional trailer suggested that the explosion would be fatal. Shilling concluded that Mali is driven by "his appreciation to friends and family. He always talks about how important those relationships are", so Mali does not contemplate saving him, "because that's who he is". The Allen siblings consist of
Nat Allen (Claire Lovering),
Gordie Allen (
Brandon McClelland) and
Campbell Allen (John Harding). They arrive in Summer Bay in search of Iluka and the money he has stolen from them. Nat and her brothers invade
Mackenzie Booth's (
Emily Weir) home, where Iluka is living. They hold Mali, Mackenzie and her boyfriend
Levi Fowler (Tristan Gorey) hostage and demand that Iluka come home. Shilling told Wade Sellers from
TV Week that "the only thing on Mali's mind is that he has to stick up for his family, he wants to show they’re not taking the situation lightly. He's willing to do anything for his brother." Nat pulls a knife out during the fight and the situation escalates. Shilling added that Mali does not back down because he has "really reached his breaking point, he's on the brink of seeing red. No-one knows the extent a person would go to while they're at that heightened point of anger." Weir told Sellers that Mackenzie goes into "protection mode, for her, Levi and her household after the trauma." She noted that Mackenzie is unable to forgive Mali and Iluka because of "the gravity of the situation" which nearly killed her boyfriend. In the conclusion to the storyline, Iluka is written out of the show. Mali initially wants Iluka to work at the surfboard shop with him, but he later rejects Mali's offer. Iluka returns home with Elandra leaving Mali and Mackenzie able to forgive each other and move on. The plot also allowed writers to bring a permanent conclusion to Mali and Rose's relationship. Rose ends their relationship because Mali could not trust her regarding the Allens.
Art story In 2024, writers created a new storyline for Mali exploring his artistic talents. They had previously portrayed his art via his designs on surfboards but when Mali paints a canvass, his friend
Kirby Aramoana (Angelina Thomson) is impressed by his work and encourages him to enter an art competition. He is unsuccessful and tries to hide the outcome from Kirby. She later finds his returned painting with a letter of commendation and is confused why Mali is not proud. Kirby encourages Mali to frame the canvas and he reveals her support means more than winning. An art gallery owner and judge from the competition contacts Mali, wanting to display his work. Kirby and Rose try to convince Mali to explore the opportunity and he eventually explores the possibility of becoming an artist. When the gallery owner offers Mali full-time work and a large pay-out in exchange for fifteen paintings. After seeking advice from Alf, Mali turns down the offer. ==Reception==