[1] While smaller in size, the Penang State Executive Council is similar in structure and function to the Malaysian federal cabinet.

The Oath of Secrecy is as follows.I, [name], do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as a member of the Executive Council of the State of Penang except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as such or may be specially permitted by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

[1]Any member of the Penang State Executive Council, apart from the chief minister, shall hold office at the governor's pleasure, but may at any time resign from his or her position.

[1] If the chief minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the state assemblymen in the Penang State Legislative Assembly, the chief minister shall tender the resignation of the entire Executive Council.

However, in this particular circumstance, the chief minister also reserves the option to advise the governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly, thus paving the way for fresh state-level election.