Like at the federal level in Malaysia, Sabah uses a Westminster-style parliamentary government, in which members are elected to the legislative assembly through general elections, from which the chief minister and the cabinet are appointed based on majority support.

In accordance with the traditions of the Westminster system, most laws originate with the cabinet (government bills), and are passed by the legislature after stages of debate and decision-making.

Chair occupants of the assembly are appointed by the governor on the chief minister's advice.

[2] He is assisted by two Deputy Speakers, Al Hambra Juhar (Independent) and Richard Yong We Kong (SAPP) who were both appointed on 19 June 2023.

Hajiji Noor (GAGASAN-GRS), MLA for Sulaman, has been the chief minister since 29 September 2020.

The lengths of their service are specified by the letters patent that appointed them; however, their term may end premature if they no longer qualify for the membership of the Assembly, they resign, or the Governor terminates their speakership on the advice of the Chief Minister.

They serve a similar role to the Clerk of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, advising the Speaker on the rules and procedure of the Assembly, signing orders and official communications, and signing and endorsing bills.

The Serjeant-at-Arms also carries the ceremonial mace, a symbol of the authority of the Governor and of the Legislative Assembly, into the chamber each day in front of the Speaker, and the mace is laid upon the Table of the Assembly during sittings.

However, the Select Committees of the Assembly primarily handle administrative matters of the chamber.