Former Minister George Hyzler, who has been Acting President since 1999, has written to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi asking not to be considered for the post any longer.

In his letter, Dr Hyzler, 83, said he had taken this decision "for personal reasons".

He thanked Dr Gonzi and President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami for the trust they had always placed in him.

On receiving the letter and after consulting with opposition leader Joseph Muscat, Dr Gonzi appointed former Speaker of the House of Representatives Anton Tabone to the post when President George Abela is away from Malta or indisposed.

Mr Tabone took on the role yesterday evening when Dr Abela left Malta on a short private visit. He is expected back in Malta this evening.

Next week, Dr Abela will be going on a state visit to Qatar, the first since his appointment in April after an official visit to Rome to meet the Pope.

According to the Constitution, whenever the office of the President is temporarily vacant or when absent from Malta, the role will be taken over by a person chosen by the Prime Minister after consultation with the Opposition Leader.

If no such person is found, the Prime Minister may appoint the Chief Justice to serve as acting President.