Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, also known as the Governor of Sarawak,[1] is the ceremonial head of state of Sarawak.[2] The Yang di-Pertua Negeri is styled Tuan Yang Terutama (lit. 'His Excellency').
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Governor of Sarawak | |
---|---|
يڠ دڤرتوا نڬري سراوق | |
![]() coat of arms | |
Style | Tuan Yang Terutama (His Excellency) |
Residence | The Astana, Kuching, Sarawak |
Appointer | Yang di-Pertuan Agong |
Term length | 4 years |
Constituting instrument | Constitution of Sarawak |
Precursor | Governor of the Crown Colony of Sarawak |
Formation | 16 September 1963 |
First holder | Abang Openg |
Website | Astana Negeri Sarawak |
The official residence of the Governor is The Astana, located on the north bank of the Sarawak River in Kuching.[3]
The current office bearer, Abdul Taib Mahmud, was sworn in on 1 March 2014.[4] 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.[5][6]
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 after consultation with the Premier. 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
№ | Portrait | Name (Birth–Death) |
Term of office | City | Days | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
Abang Openg (1905–1969) |
16 September 1963 | 28 March 1969 | Kuching | 5 years, 193 days |
2 | ![]() |
Tuanku Bujang (1898–1986) |
2 April 1969 | 1 April 1977 | Sibu | 8 years, 0 days |
3 | ![]() |
Abang Muhammad Salahuddin (1921–2022) |
2 April 1977 | 1 April 1981 | Sibu | 3 years, 364 days |
4 | ![]() |
Abdul Rahman (1928–2015) |
2 April 1981 | 1 April 1985 | Bintulu | 4 years, 0 days |
5 | ![]() |
Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (1924–2000) |
2 April 1985 | 5 December 2000 | Sibu | 15 years, 247 days |
6 | ![]() |
Abang Muhammad Salahuddin1 (1921–2022) |
22 February 2001 | 28 February 2014 | Sibu | 13 years, 6 days |
7 | ![]() |
Abdul Taib (born 1936) |
1 March 2014 | present | Miri | 8 years, 332 days |
Notes
- 1.^ Abang Muhammad Salahuddin was the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri to serve twice as governor of Sarawak state.
References
- "Abdul Taib continues service as Sarawak governor for another two years". The Star. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- Milne, R. S. (1963). "Malaysia: A New Federation in the Making". Asian Survey. 3 (2): 76–82. doi:10.2307/3023678. ISSN 0004-4687.
- Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Archived 7 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine
- Bernama (1 March 2022). "Taib Mahmud sworn in as Sarawak governor for third term". MalaysiaNow. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
- "King bestows 'Tun' title on Taib Mahmud". The Star. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
- "Abdul Taib continues service as Sarawak governor for another two years". The Star. Retrieved 29 March 2022.