PUTRAJAYA, July 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said that Malaysians can expect an announcement on the appointment of top judiciary leaders by the Conference of Rulers tomorrow.

He said the announcement can hopefully dispel the "negative perception” from Malaysians surrounding the issue.

"There are of course concerns expressed, and I must take note of that. First is the delay of appointment and secondly is the perception that some appointments to the key positions in the judiciary may be somewhat compromised,” he said in his speech at the International Conference On Governance And Integrity 2025 here.

"I can assure you that is not the case. I'm sure my legal friends can respect the fact that we must work based on the law and facts. Not perception. Leave the perception issue to the politicians, then only we can continue governing.”

Anwar reiterated that he had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers on the matter this morning.

He added he had never spoken to any judges regarding any court cases since becoming prime minister, amid accusations of judicial interference.

"It is unfortunate that yesterday when you arrived, what was being projected was the issue of judicial independence,” he said, addressing the international audience.

"I assure you, in my exceeding two and half years in office, I've not discussed with any judges, not one case. Not with the Chief Justice, not any judge. I adhere to the principles of judicial independence.”

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Anwar has made it very clear a decision to fill the vacant top leadership positions in the judiciary will be finalised this week.

Loke said the matter was affirmed and relayed to all government backbenchers during a closed-door meeting with Anwar in Putrajaya yesterday.

The post of Chief Justice became vacant on July 1 following the end of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s six-year tenure.

The second-highest position, President of the Court of Appeal, became vacant a day later when Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim’s term ended after more than two years and five months in office.

Both judges retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66 and were not granted the optional six-month extension.

Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is currently carrying out the duties of Chief Justice until a new appointment is made.