The Sarawak State head by a Yang di-Pertua Negeri, who is appointed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King). He is appointed for four years.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri is constitutionally obliged to act on the advice of the Sate Executive Council or a member thereof usually the elected Chief Minister.  Members of the Executive Council are called State Ministers.

The official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri is the Astana, located on the north bank of the Sarawak River, in Kuching.

List of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak

1. Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Bin Abang Sapiee (1963-1969)
2. Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Osman (1969-1977)
3. Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin (1977-1981)
4. Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Ya'kub (1981-1985)
5. Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Muhammed Noor (1985-2001)
6. Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin (2001- 2014)
7. Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud (2014 - Now)