The office of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (governor) is established by the Constitution of the State of Sabah.

According to Article 1(1) of the Constitution, the office must exist and be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) after consultation with the Chief Minister.

However, in event of his inability to govern the state due to illness, absence or any other cause, His Majesty reserves the power to appoint a person to exercise the function of the Governor.

The Constitution also describes powers of the Governor in the State Legislative Assembly.

The most recent death of a Yang di-Pertua Negeri was that of Sakaran Dandai who served from 1995 to 2002.