The Constitution of the State of Sabah is a supreme law enacted for the state of Sabah.[1] Came into effect upon independence within Malaysia in 1963, it is further detailed in 6 Parts, 58 Articles and two Schedules.
Article 27 stipulates that any laws that passed either on or after Malaysia Day that is inconsistent with the Constitution will be rendered void. Thus, this makes the State Constitution is a supreme law for Sabah other than the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.[2]
Under Article 43, the Constitution may be amended only by passing an Enactment by the Sabah State Legislative Assembly and shall not be amended by any other methods possible. To amend the Constitution, the Bill must be passed with two-thirds majority after second and third readings.
Several amendments has been made to the Constitution including upholding Islam as the State official religion in 1973[3] and party hopping ban in 2023.[4]
The Constitution consist of:
This Part consisting 12 Articles prescribed the role of the State Government as a part of executive branch of Sabah.[5]
This Part consisting 15 Articles prescribed the role of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly as a part of legislative branch of Sabah.
This Part consisting 8 Articles prescribed financial affairs and economic matters of Sabah.
This Part consisting 5 Articles prescribed public service affairs such as the establishment of Public Service Commission.
This Part consisting 7 Articles prescribed state identity and other matters related to the State.
This Part consisting 11 Articles prescribed all matters of the State prior the formation of Malaysia and relations within the United Kingdom as a Crown Colony.