Parliament last night approved George Abela as the eighth President of Malta, shortly after the House thanked Eddie Fenech Adami for "the dignified manner" in which he carried out his duties as President.

Five parliamentarians were absent when the vote was taken.

Labour whip Joe Mizzi said Alfred Sant, George Vella and Silvio Parnis were "excused".

Nationalist MP Mario Galea was also "excused" and efforts to contact Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando to find out why he was not present in Parliament were unsuccessful.

Both motions were moved by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and seconded by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat.

Dr Gonzi lauded Dr Abela's qualities, adding that the President-in-Waiting loved his country and his family, which was a continuation of the values of the Maltese people championed by outgoing President Fenech Adami.

Dr Muscat said that Dr Abela's appointment was a powerful signal that the country had to move forward as one.

He said the opposition had made its political judgment of Dr Fenech Adami but it wanted to salute him for having done his duty as President over the past five years.

Dr Abela will be sworn in as President on Saturday.