The Office of the Chief Registrar said the appointment was in line with Article 131A of the Federal Constitution, and Sections 9(1)(b) and 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.

“The chief judge of Malaya shall exercise the powers or perform the duties of the office of the chief justice, including its constitutional functions, until the position is filled,” it said in a statement today.

“The Malaysian judiciary remains steadfast in carrying out its responsibility as the guardian of justice, and will continue to serve the people and the nation with the utmost dedication.”

Tengku Maimun, the country’s first female chief justice, retired on Monday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66.

Hasnah, who was appointed chief judge of Malaya in November last year, recently received a six-month extension to her tenure. She is due to retire on Nov 14.

Tengku Maimun, the country’s first female chief justice, retired on Monday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66. Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim also stepped down yesterday after reaching the same age.

It is still unclear who will be appointed to fill the two top posts.

Under Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints judges based on the prime minister’s advice, after consulting the Conference of Rulers. The next meeting is set to take place in two weeks.

A shortlist of candidates is usually provided by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), set up under the JAC Act 2009. However, it is not known if any names have been submitted, or who Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is considering.