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Sabah

Sabah is a state of Malaysia located in the northern part of Borneo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sabah is a state of Malaysia located in the northern part of Borneo. Its capital is Kota Kinabalu, where the state’s unicameral legislative assembly meets. The state government operates under a Westminster-style parliamentary system with a ceremonial governor as head of state and a chief minister as head of government.

Government and politics

Sabah’s state government is based on the Federal Constitution of Malaysia and the Constitution of the State of Sabah. The governor serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the chief minister heads the government and is appointed from the majority party or coalition in the legislative assembly.

Legislative assembly

The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is the state’s unicameral legislature. Members are elected from 73 constituencies, and the assembly meets in Kota Kinabalu.

Autonomy and federal relations

Sabah, together with Sarawak, has a higher level of autonomy than most Malaysian states. This distinction is often discussed in relation to immigration control, administration, and the state’s role within Malaysia’s federal structure.

Recent political developments

Sabah politics has been marked by shifting coalitions and strong local-party competition. The 2025 state election saw all 73 seats contested, reflecting the state’s continuing political importance within Malaysia.

Key facts

  • Sabah is one of Malaysia’s states and is located on Borneo.
  • The state capital is Kota Kinabalu, where the legislative assembly meets.
  • Sabah uses a Westminster-style system with a chief minister and a governor.
  • The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is unicameral and has 73 elected seats.
  • Sabah has greater administrative autonomy than Peninsular Malaysian states in areas including immigration and judiciary-related arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sabah?
Sabah is a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo, in the country’s east.
What is the capital of Sabah?
The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu.
What is the government system in Sabah?
Sabah uses a Westminster-style parliamentary system with a governor as head of state and a chief minister as head of government.
How many seats are in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly?
The Sabah State Legislative Assembly has 73 seats.
Does Sabah have more autonomy than other Malaysian states?
Yes. Sabah has a greater level of autonomy than Peninsular Malaysian states in some administrative areas, including immigration-related arrangements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabah
    Supports: General description of Sabah, its government structure, autonomy, and capital
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabah_Legislative_Assembly
    Supports: Assembly structure, 73 seats, and meeting place in Kota Kinabalu
  3. State Attorney-General's Chambers, Sabah — https://sagc.sabah.gov.my/sites/default/files/law/The%20Constitution%20of%20the%20State%20of%20Sabah.pdf
    Supports: Constitutional basis for the head of state and state government structure
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Sabah_state_election
    Supports: 2025 election context and all 73 seats contested