Sabah State Legislative Assembly


The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is a part of the legislature of Sabah, Malaysia, the other being the governor of Sabah. The assembly meets at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly Building at Likas in the state capital of Kota Kinabalu.
This unicameral legislature currently has 60 seats representing state constituencies elected through a first-past-the-post electoral system across the state.
Like at the federal level in Malaysia, Sabah uses a Westminster-style parliamentary government, in which members are elected to the legislative assembly through general elections, from which the chief minister and the cabinet are appointed based on majority support. The chief minister is head of government, while the governor acts as head of state. The largest party not forming the government is known as the official opposition, its leader being recognised as leader of the opposition by the speaker.
Members of the assembly refer to themselves as "Members of the Legislative Assembly" and sometimes as "state assemblymen".
The most recent assembly was elected on 9 May 2018 as part of the 15th Sabah State Legislative Assembly. A coalition of Sabah Heritage Party, Democratic Action Party and People's Justice Party, with confidence and supply of United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, formed a government on 12 May 2018. This assembly was dissolved on 30 July 2020 by the governor of Sabah, Juhar Mahiruddin, following which a snap election will be held within 60 days. For this snap election, a total of 73 seats, including 13 additional seats that were endorsed in Parliament in 2019, will be contested.

Lawmaking

In accordance with the traditions of the Westminster system, most laws originate with the cabinet, and are passed by the legislature after stages of debate and decision-making. Ordinary members may introduce privately, play an integral role in scrutinising bills in debate and committee and amending bills presented to the legislature by cabinet.

Nominated members

The governor may, at the advice of the chief minister, appoint not more than six nominated members of the assembly. On 16 May 2018, Wilfred Madius Tangau and Stephen Wong were made nominated members of the assembly, the same day they were admitted to the cabinet. On 11 June 2018, Lorreto Padua Jr. and Terrence Siambun, both of WARISAN, were made nominated members of the assembly.

Officeholders

Chair occupants

Chair occupants of the assembly are appointed by the governor on the chief minister's advice. Syed Abas Syed Ali has been the speaker since 7 August 2015 and has remained in the office after the state election that resulted in the change of governing party. He is assisted by two Deputy Speakers, Ahmad Abdul Rahman who was installed into the office on 7 June 2018 and George Anthony Ginibun who was installed on 26 June 2018.

Majority leader

The majority leader is always the chief minister, who also leads the cabinet. He is appointed by the governor on the basis that he is able to command a majority in the assembly. Mohd. Shafie Apdal, MLA for Senallang, has been the chief minister since 12 May 2018.

Minority leader

The minority leader is always the leader of the opposition appointed by the largest party not forming the government. On 4 July 2018, Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, MLA for Tambunan, has been reported selected as interim leader of the opposition until Musa Aman, MLA for Sungai Sibuga take the oath of office and the leadership in the opposition.