The premier is also the leader of the political party or coalition that secures a majority in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

[1][2] This office was known as Chief Minister of Sarawak before an amendment to the state constitution regarding the matter was successfully passed on 15 February 2022, renaming the post to "premier".

[6] A proposal to change the title of Chief Minister to Premier was made in February 2022, as an aspect of Sarawak's efforts to reclaim its rights under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).

[7] On 15 February, the position of Chief Minister was changed to Premier following a successful amendment to the Sarawak state constitution.

The members of the Cabinet are prohibited from holding any office of profit and engage in any trade, business or profession that will cause conflict of interest.

Premiers removed as leader of his or her party, or whose government loses a vote of no confidence in the Legislative Assembly, must advise a state election or resign the office or be dismissed by Governor.

The defeat of a supply bill (one that concerns the spending of money) or unable to pass important policy-related legislation is seen to require the resignation of the government or dissolution of Legislative Assembly, much like a non-confidence vote, since a government that cannot spend money is hamstrung, also called loss of supply.

The most recent passing of the chief minister occurred with the death of Abdul Taib Mahmud, who served from 1981 to 2014.