Page 50 - The Guide To Sarawak

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INTRODUCTION TO THE STATE OF SARAWAK
The Government of Sarawak
By Y Bhg Datuk J.C. Fong
Sarawak is one of the component States within the Federation of Malaysia. Its present government system and structure conform with that prescribed in the Eighth Schedule to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia and the State Constitution of Sarawak.
Sarawak has a system of government based upon the fundamental concepts of parliamentary democracy. There is a single chamber Legislature elected every five years. The elected Assemblyman who, in the opinion of the Head of State (Yang di-Pertua Negeri), commands the confidence
of the majority of members of the Legislature is appointed as Chief Minister and called upon to form the State Government. The Chief Minister nominates members of the State Cabinet (Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri) for appointment by the Head of State.
The Head of State is appointed by the King (Yang di Pertuan Agong) on the advice of the Chief Minister. He holds office for a term
of 4 years which may be renewed.
The State Cabinet advises the Head of State on the exercise or discharge of his constitutional powers and duties. It is the Executive arm of Government. State Cabinet Ministers are bound by the principle of collective responsibility, and the Ministers are accountable to
the Legislature which must meet at intervals of not more than six months.
The State Cabinet comprises the Chief Minister and not more than 10 and not less than 4 other Ministers who must all be members of
the Legislature. The State Constitution provides
for the appointment of Assistant Ministers who are not considered members of the State Cabinet but are invited to attend its meetings. The Executive
is served by a State Civil Service, headed by the State Secretary. Local services and affairs are administered by Local Authorities or Councils. Members of Local Councils are appointed
by the Head of State on
the recommendation of
the State Cabinet. The jurisdiction of Local Councils
His Excellency the Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud (seated centre) and Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Haji Adenan Satem (seated 6th left) posing for a group photograph with Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar (seated 6th right), State Assemblymen and Assemblywomen and government officers during the May 2014 Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak sitting.