Acting Chief Justice Hasnah Hashim said Zabariah would perform the duties and functions of that office until the position is permanently filled.

In a letter dated today, Hasnah said the appointment was made under Section 9(3)(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.

The provision states that whenever the office of the president is vacant, a Federal Court judge could perform the duties and functions.

A copy of the letter was also sent to the Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli, Chief Registrar of the Federal Court Zamri Bakar and Court of Appeal Registrar Jumirah Marjuki.

Two judges also confirmed receiving the letter earlier today.

Yesterday, the office of the chief registrar said Hasnah would be acting chief justice after Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat retired on Tuesday.

Hasnah herself on May 14 turned 66, the mandatory retirement age for judges, but was given a six-month extension, allowing her to remain in office until Nov 14.

Zabariah turned 66 on April 10, and also received a six-month extension to remain in office.

She was appointed a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission in March by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.