The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, also known as the Governor of Sarawak, is the ceremonial

head of state A head of state (or chief of state) is the public persona who officially embodies a state Foakes, pp. 110–11 " he head of statebeing an embodiment of the State itself or representatitve of its international persona." in its unity and l ...

Sarawak Sarawak (; ) is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia. The largest among the 13 states, with an area almost equal to that of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, and is bordered by the M ...

. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri is styled (). The official residence of the Governor is The Astana, located on the north bank of the

Sarawak River The Sarawak River ( ms, Sungai Sarawak) is a river in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is an important source of water and transportation for the inhabitants in southwestern Sarawak. The river is also used for water-related sport activities such as the annu ...

Kuching Kuching (), officially the City of Kuching, is the capital and the most populous city in the States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Sarawak in Malaysia. It is also the capital of Kuching Division. The city is on the Sarawak River ...

. The current office bearer,

Abdul Taib Mahmud Abdul Taib bin Mahmud ( Jawi: عبدالطيب بن محمود; born 21 May 1936) is a Malaysian politician who has served as the 7th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak since March 2014. He served as the 4th Chief Minister of Sarawak for 33 years ...

, was sworn in on 1 March 2014. He received the credentials as the new Yang di-Pertua Negeri on 28 February, and took the oath of office on the following day. He was re-appointed as Governor on 28 February 2018 for the 2nd term.

Appointment

The office of the Governor is established by article 1(1) of the Constitution of Sarawak. The position is appointed by the

Yang di-Pertuan Agong The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (, Jawi: ), also known as the Supreme Head of the Federation, the Paramount Ruler or simply as the Agong, and unofficially as the King of Malaysia, is the constitutional monarch and head of state of Malaysia. The of ...

after consultation with the

Premier Premier is a title for the head of government in central governments, state governments and local governments of some countries. A second in command to a premier is designated as a deputy premier. A premier will normally be a head of governm ...

. Every Governor is appointed for a term of 4-years. However, the King reserves the power to extend his term of appointment. The Governor has neither deputy nor assistant. However, in event of his inability to govern the state due to illness, absence or any other cause, the King reserves the power to appoint a person to exercise the function of the Governor.

Functions, powers and privileges

Many functions and powers of the King – at the federal level – are delegated to the Governor at the state level – like the other Rulers of States. The Governor, however, has no power and function towards the Judiciary. Most of them are appointed after consultation with the Chief Minister, except in appointing the Chief Minister. The same process occurred during dismissal of an office bearer. The Constitution also describes powers of the Governor in the State Legislative Assembly. All bills must be assented by the Governor in 30 days after a bill passed. The Governor also has to address the Assembly annually.

List of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak

Notes

:1. Abang Muhammad Salahuddin was the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri to serve twice as governor of Sarawak state.

Appointment

Functions, powers and privileges

List of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak

Notes

References

See also