The State Legislative Assembly consists of the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri as the Head of State, a Speaker, and Members of the State Legislative Assembly. These 28 members are appointed in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri shall convene the assembly from time to time and shall preside over the sessions. Members of the State Legislative Assembly shall serve for five years unless dissolved earlier. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri has the authority to dissolve the Assembly. Once dissolved, a general election must be held within sixty days from the date of dissolution.

State Assembly Procedures

Subject to the provisions of the State Constitution, the State Legislative Assembly must operate under its own procedures and draft Standing Orders. These Standing Orders, approved by resolution of the Assembly, govern rules of conduct, privileges, and parliamentary procedures during sittings and meetings of the Assembly's Select Committees.

The quorum required for a State Legislative Assembly sitting is at least one-third of the total number of members. Any member may point out the lack of quorum at any time during the session. If the quorum remains insufficient, the sitting may be adjourned to the next day.

Members may speak on any matters of public interest under the principle of freedom of speech as provided for in the State Legislative Assembly (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Ordinance, the Sedition Act, and the Assembly’s Standing Orders.

The foundation of an effective State Legislative Assembly lies in the freedom of speech, where the Assembly imposes specific limits through its Standing Orders and parliamentary practices.

Functions of the State Legislative Assembly

In addition to its legislative function, the State Legislative Assembly has several other important roles, including:

• Safeguarding the constitutional sovereignty and the constitutional rights of the State of Melaka and its people, as outlined in the Constitution.
• Serving as a platform to examine and critique government policies and implementation plans. Members of the State Legislative Assembly are collectively accountable to the Assembly. This is evident in proceedings such as the Royal Address Debate, motions of no confidence, and general policy debates.
• Approving financial provisions. No tax or expenditure may be charged to the Consolidated Fund unless authorised by legislation passed by the Assembly.
• Representing the people, the Assembly provides a forum for elected representatives to express views and discuss matters openly under the parliamentary privileges provided in the State Legislative Assembly (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Ordinance 1963. These include issues of public concern, grievances, and problems raised through debates, appeals, or other relevant proceedings.
• Reviewing the type and merits of proposed legislation brought before the Assembly and suggesting appropriate amendments where necessary.
• Auditing public accounts to ensure public funds are spent as approved by parliament and in the interest of taxpayers.
• Acting as a forum for critical discussion on the government and the implementation of its policies.
• Monitoring government actions, as reflected in general debates.
• Protecting and promoting the best interests of the people and the state by raising specific issues and addressing grievances either during proceedings or through other means allowed under the Assembly's regulations.
• Appointing Select Committees for investigative purposes through public hearings and reports.
• Expanding and utilising parliamentary privileges and procedures to enable the State Legislative Assembly to carry out its constitutional and legislative functions more effectively.