KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly has passed a Bill changing the title of the head of the state's executive branch from "Chief Minister" to "Premier.

       The Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2022 was passed by the state assembly here on Tuesday (Feb 15).

       According to a copy of the Bill sighted by The Star, Article 44 of the Constitution will also be amended to include the interpretation of Premier, as "the Chief Minister appointed under Article 6(3)" and any reference to the Chief Minister in any written law will refer to the Premier.

       In addition, the Bill seeks to amend Article 7A to rename Assistant Ministers as Deputy Ministers.

       The amendment also seeks to allow Deputy Ministers to attend state Cabinet meetings on the invitation of the Premier.

       It is one of five Bills to be tabled in the three-day sitting starting Monday (Feb 14), the first since the state election last Dec 18.