The present State Legislative Assembly Building is located at the north bank of the Sarawak River, between the Astana, which is the official residence of the Governor or Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak and Fort Margherita. The building was officially opened in 2009 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

The first State Legislative Assembly, previously known as the General Council convened its first meeting on September 8, 1867 in Bintulu with 21 members.  It was established during the rule of the White Rajahs, Charles Brooke, under the orders of James Brooke. The members were chosen from local tribe leaders who were thought to be capable of assisting Brooke in his administration.

The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is probably the oldest legislative in Malaysia. This is where the state assemblymen from all over Sarawak gather and preside over passing of laws and hold debates.

The unique architecture of nine giant pillars and multiple arches reflects the sovereignty of the Sarawak people’s power and unity of all races in the state. The distinctive umbrella roof marks an iconic landmark of Sarawak.