2023 Malaysian state elections

Sub-national general elections

2023 Malaysian state elections

* * *

| <- 2022 | 12 August 2023 | 2025 ->

|
|

* * *

6 out of 13 state legislatures (DUN)
245 out of 600 seats

* * *

Legend:
States up for Election
No election/Federal Territories

* * *

This article is part of a series on the

Politics of
Malaysia

Head of State

* Yang di-Pertuan Agong

* Ibrahim Iskandar

* * *

* Conference of Rulers

Legislature

* Parliament of Malaysia

* 15th Parliament

* * *

* Senate (Dewan Negara)

* President Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah

* * *

* House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)

* Speaker Johari Abdul
* Leader of the Government Anwar Ibrahim
* Leader of the Opposition Hamzah Zainudin

* * *

Executive

* Cabinet

* Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

* * *

* Civil service (agencies)

* Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar

Judiciary

* Federal Court

* Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh

* * *

* Court of Appeal

* President Zabariah Mohd Yusof (acting)

* * *

* High Court in Malaya ∙ High Court in Sabah and Sarawak

* Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Mohammed Hashim
* Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli

* * *

Elections

* Election Commission of Malaysia

* General elections: 2022

* * *

* Electoral districts

Political parties

* BN
* PH
* PN
* GPS
* GRS

* * *

List of political parties in Malaysia

Federalism

* State governments

* Chief ministers of the states

* State legislatures (members)

* * *

* Local governments (list)

Ideologies and concepts

* Anarchism
* Communism
* Conservatism
* Feminism
* Rukun Negara
* Malay nationalism
* Reformasi
* Islam Hadhari
* Asian values

* * *

Race and politics

* Dayaks in politics
* Ketuanan Melayu
* Bumiputera
* Malaysian Malaysia
* Social contract

* Malaysia portal
* Politics portal

* Other countries

* v
* t
* e

State elections in 2023 were held in Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah and Penang on 12 August 2023, following the dissolution of their state assemblies between 22 June and 1 July 2023.[1][2]

The state elections were held concurrently with the 2023 Kuala Terengganu by-election.[3]

## Background

[edit]

The results of the 2022 general election, visualised with the borders of state constituencies. Gray areas represent constituencies with election petitions filed.

State elections in Malaysia were traditionally held alongside general elections. However, states can independently dissolve their own assemblies. Therefore, during the previous general election in 2022, only three states, Perlis, Perak and Pahang dissolved their state assemblies and held their state elections concurrently, while another four states, Sabah, Malacca, Sarawak and Johor held their state elections earlier before the 2022 general election, due to the ongoing political crisis at that time, leaving only the remaining six states which have chosen not to dissolve their assemblies at the time of the general election.[4][5][6][7]

## Participating parties

[edit]

The elections are the first to be held under the unity government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman and prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. All main component parties of PH, PKR, DAP and AMANAH, as well as the opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), are participating in the elections. Barisan Nasional (BN), the second largest coalition in the unity government, saw only UMNO members taking part, with the other two main component parties, MCA and MIC sat out the elections.[8] Among the parties in the unity government not participating in the state elections include the Sabah-based WARISAN[9] and PBM.[10]

Similar decisions were taken by several smaller parties such as Pejuang[11] and Putra,[12] which decided not to participate. Their leaders, together with some Perikatan Nasional leaders, previously agreed informally not to contest against each other.[13]

Despite being part of the unity government, MUDA announced its decision to contest against unity government coalitions in the elections, after its president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman claimed that the party was sidelined by PH.[14] Following this, MUDA and the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) signed an electoral pact after the latter announced candidates to contest in the state elections too.[15] Another party without any elected representatives in Parliament taking part in the state elections is PRM contesting 15 seats in Penang and Selangor.[16]

## Composition

[edit]

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency.

Number of seats

State  | Overall Total  | PH + BN  | ±  | PN  | ±  | Muda  | ±  | Others  | ±  | Vacant Seats  | ±
Previous Election Result (by each state respectively)
Kedah  | 36  | 16  | 20 | n/a
Kelantan  | 45  | 8  | 37 | n/a
Terengganu  | 32  | 10  | 22 | n/a
Penang  | 40  | 37 | 3  | n/a
Selangor  | 56  | 49 | 7  | n/a
Negeri Sembilan  | 36  | 36 | 0  | n/a
Total | 245 | 156  | 89  | n/a
Upon dissolution
Kedah  | 36  | 12  | 4  | 20 |  | 0  |  | 2 | 2  | 2  | 2
Kelantan  | 45  | 7  | 1  | 37 |  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 1  | 1
Terengganu  | 32  | 10  |  | 22 |  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  |
Penang  | 40  | 35 | 2  | 1  | 2  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 4  | 4
Selangor  | 56  | 45 | 4  | 5  | 2  | 0  |  | 3 \+ 2  | 5  | 1  | 1
Negeri Sembilan  | 36  | 36 |  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  |
Total | 245 | 145  | 11  | 85  | 4  | 0  |  | 7  | 7  | 8  | 8
Election Result
Kedah  | 36  | 3  | 9  | 33 | 13  | 0  |  | 0  | 2  | 0  | 2
Kelantan  | 45  | 2  | 5  | 43 | 7  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  | 1
Terengganu  | 32  | 0  | 10  | 32 | 10  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  |
Penang  | 40  | 29 | 6  | 11  | 10  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  | 4
Selangor  | 56  | 34 | 11  | 22  | 17  | 0  |  | 0  | 5  | 0  | 1
Negeri Sembilan  | 36  | 31 | 5  | 5  | 5  | 0  |  | 0  |  | 0  |
Total | 245 | 99  | 46  | 146  | 61  | 0  |  | 0  | 7  | 0  | 8

## Important Dates

[edit]

State Legislature  | Term Began  | Term End  | Dissolution Date[nb 1][17] | Nomination Day  | Early Voting Days  | Election Day  | Refs

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Selangor  | 26 June 2018 | 26 June 2023  | 23 June 2023  | 29 July 2023  | 8–11 August 2023  | 12 August 2023  | [18]
Kelantan  | 28 June 2018 | 28 June 2023  | 22 June 2023  | [19][20]
Terengganu  | 1 July 2018 | 1 July 2023  | 28 June 2023  | [21][22]
Negeri Sembilan  | 2 July 2018 | 2 July 2023  | 1 July 2023  | [23]
Kedah  | 4 July 2018 | 4 July 2023  | 28 June 2023  | [24]
Penang  | 2 August 2018 | 2 August 2023  | 28 June 2023  | [25]

## Selangor

[edit]

Polling day of 2023 Selangor state election

Main article: 2023 Selangor state election

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency § Selangor.

Pakatan Harapan won the Selangor state election after they reached 34 of 56 seats to form state government while Perikatan Nasional won 22 seats. On 21 August 2023, incumbent Amirudin Shari sworn in as Selangor Menteri Besar for the second term.

Earlier, Pakatan Harapan (previously Barisan Alternatif, Pakatan Rakyat) maintained their stronghold in Selangor after they took over control of the state government from Barisan Nasional in the 2008 election and continued to do so for three consecutive terms in 2008, 2013, and 2018. The unity government, now represented by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, faced Perikatan Nasional which consists of Bersatu, PAS and Gerakan in the election.

## Kelantan

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Kelantan state election

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency § Kelantan.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) won the Kelantan state election for the eighth time after they reached 43 of 45 seats to form state government. Meanwhile, BN and PH won one seat each. On 15 August 2023, Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, Meranti Assemblyman, appointed as a new Kelantan Menteri Besar, replaced Ahmad Yakob.

Earlier, PAS, which is now part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, ruled Kelantan from Barisan Nasional since the 1990 election and held seven consecutive terms in 1990, 1995, 1999, 2004, 2008, 2013, 2018.

## Terengganu

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Terengganu state election

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency § Terengganu.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) won the Terengganu state election for the second time after they won all 32 seats to form the state government. On 15 August 2023, incumbent Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar retained as Terengganu Menteri Besar for a second term.

Earlier, PAS, which is under Perikatan Nasional, ruled the Terengganu state government from Barisan Nasional since the 2018 election.

## Negeri Sembilan

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Negeri Sembilan state election

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency § Negeri Sembilan.

The unity government (PH + BN) won the Negeri Sembilan state election after they won 31 of 36 seats to form state government, while PN won 5 seats. On 14 August 2023, incumbent Aminuddin Harun retained his position as Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar for the second term.

Earlier, Pakatan Harapan ruled the Negeri Sembilan state government since the 2018 election. Now, the unity government, which represents Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, will face Perikatan Nasional which consists of Bersatu and PAS in next state election.

## Kedah

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Kedah state election

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency § Kedah.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) has won Kedah state election after won 33 of 36 seats to form state government while unity government (PH + BN) has won 3 seats. On 14 August 2023, incumbent Sanusi Mohd Nor sworn in as Kedah Menteri Besar for second term.

Earlier, PAS which is under Perikatan Nasional has ruled the Kedah state government after took over from Pakatan Harapan due to political crisis in 2020.

## Penang

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Penang state election

For complete results, see Results of the 2023 Malaysian state elections by constituency § Penang.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) won the Penang state election for the fourth time with cooperation from BN after they reached 29 of 40 seats to form the state government, while PN won 11 seats. On 13 August, incumbent Chow Kon Yeow sworn in as Penang Chief Minister for a second term.

Earlier, Pakatan Harapan (previously Barisan Alternatif, Pakatan Rakyat) remained a stronghold in Penang after it took over state government from Barisan Nasional in the 2008 election, holding three consecutive terms in 2008, 2013, 2018. It would be challenged by former governing party of Penang, Gerakan, which now joins Perikatan Nasional together with Bersatu and PAS.

## Opinion polls

[edit]

### 2023

[edit]

Polling firm  | Dates conducted  | Region  | Sample size  | PH+BN | PN | MUDA+PSM  | Oth  | Lead  | Ref
Ilham Centre  | 29 July – 8 August 2023  | Kedah  | 2,304  | 24%  | 69%  | –  | 7%  | PN +45% | [26]
Kelantan  | 13%  | 65%  | –  | 22%  | PN +43%
Terengganu  | 21%  | 63%  | –  | 14%  | PN +42%
Penang  | 64%  | 36%  | –  | 0%  | PH+BN +28%
Selangor  | 55%  | 23%  | –  | 22%  | PH+BN +32%
Negeri Sembilan  | 57%  | 24%  | –  | 19%  | PH+BN +33%
Merdeka Center | 26 July – 11 August 2023  | Selangor  | 2,966  | 49%  | 36%  | –  | 15%  | PH+BN +13%  | [27]
Endeavour-MGC  | 12 June – 18 June 2023  | Selangor  | 1,068  | 53%  | 37%  | 1%  | 9%  | PH+BN +7%  | [28]
Merdeka Center  | 3 July – 14 July 2023  | Negeri Sembilan  | 1,005  | 59%  | 18%  | –  | 22%  | PH+BN +37%  | [27]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Zunaira Saieed (5 July 2023). "Malaysia to hold six state elections on Aug 12, nomination day on July 29". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 9 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
2. ^ Teoh, Shannon (12 August 2023). "Malaysia state polls: PH and PN retain three states each in status quo result". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
3. ^ "KUALA TERENGGANU BY-ELECTION TO BE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH SIX STATE POLLS ON AUG 12". BERNAMA. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
4. ^ "No early elections for PAS-held states, says party vice-president". Free Malaysia Today. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
5. ^ "GE15: Penang, Selangor and Negri not dissolving state assemblies this year, says Anwar". The Star. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
6. ^ "GE15: Penang, S'gor, Negri assemblies will not dissolve, says Pakatan presidential council". Nation. The Star. 15 October 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
7. ^ Hassan, Hazlin (14 October 2022). "Malaysia's PAS says its three state assemblies won't be dissolved for elections". The Straits Times. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
8. ^ "MCA, MIC to skip state elections". Malaysiakini. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
9. ^ "Warisan will not contest in upcoming state polls, says Shafie". The Star. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
10. ^ "PBM tidak bertanding enam pilihan raya negeri". Utusan (in Malay). 18 March 2023.
11. ^ Amin, Manzaidi Mohd (26 July 2023). "Putra tidak akan bertanding PRN secara solo - Tok Him". MalaysiaGazette. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
12. ^ "Pejuang to skip state polls, says Mukhriz". Malay Mail. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
13. ^ "Sekutu Proklamasi Melayu setuju bergerak bersama". Malaysiakini. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
14. ^ "MUDA to contest state polls alone after 'left hanging' by Pakatan Harapan: Syed Saddiq". CNA. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
15. ^ "State polls: Muda, PSM ink electoral understanding to work together to bring new brand of politics". The Star. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
16. ^ "PRM TO CONTEST 15 SEATS IN PENANG STATE ELECTION". BERNAMA. 13 March 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
17. ^ Bernama (8 May 2023). "Rundingan kerusi: Anwar serah pada kebijaksanaan pimpinan negeri". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
18. ^ "Sultan Selangor perkenan bubar Dun Selangor 23 Jun". Harian Metro. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
19. ^ "DUN Kelantan bubar 22 Jun". Malaysiakini. 14 June 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
20. ^ "Dun Kelantan bubar hari ini". Harian Metro. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
21. ^ "DUN Terengganu dijangka bubar esok". Harian Metro. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
22. ^ YATIM, NORHASPIDA (27 June 2023). "DUN Terengganu dibubar esok". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 27 June 2023.
23. ^ HAMZAH, NOR AINNA (7 June 2023). "DUN Negeri Sembilan bubar 30 Jun - Aminuddin". Kosmo Digital (in Malay). Retrieved 11 June 2023.
24. ^ "Kedah cadang bubar DUN 28 Jun". Malaysiakini. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
25. ^ ROSLI, SYAJARATULHUDA MOHD (8 June 2023). "Pulau Pinang bubar DUN 28 Jun ini". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 11 June 2023.
26. ^ "PRN 2023: Status Quo, Prestasi PH-BN Sukar Dicabar, PN Unggul Di Jajaran Melayu – ILHAM Centre". Retrieved 11 August 2023.
27. ^ a b Merdeka Center (11 August 2023). "Malaysia State Elections 2023 Voter Survey Highlights".
28. ^ ZULKAFLI, NURHIDAYAH HAIROM,NAZRIN (14 July 2023). "Kajian pengundi Melayu Selangor: 57 peratus responden pilih PH, BN". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 11 August 2023.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

1. ^ 3rd or 4th week of June 2023

* v
* t
* e

State elections in Malaysia

Overall elections|

* 1983
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1990
* 1991
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1999
* 2001
* 2004
* 2006
* 2008
* 2011
* 2013
* 2016
* 2018
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023

Johor|

* 1954
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2022

Kedah|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2023

Kelantan|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2023

Malacca|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2021

Negeri Sembilan|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2023

Pahang|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2022

Penang|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2023

Perak|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2022

Perlis|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2022

Sabah|

* 1962
* 1964 (indirect)
* 1967
* 1971
* 1976
* 1981
* 1985
* 1986
* 1990
* 1994
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2020
* 2025

Sarawak|

* 1959 (indirect)
* 1963 (indirect)
* 1969
* 1974
* 1979
* 1983
* 1987
* 1991
* 1996
* 2001
* 2006
* 2011
* 2016
* 2021

Selangor|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2023

Terengganu|

* 1954
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2023

Singapore|

* 1963

* v
* t
* e

Elections in Malaysia

Federal|

* 1955
* 1959
* 1964
* 1969
* 1974
* 1978
* 1982
* 1986
* 1990
* 1995
* 1999
* 2004
* 2008
* 2013
* 2018
* 2022
* Next

State|

* 1954
* 1955
* 1959 (Malaya)
* 1959 (Sarawak)
* 1963
* 1964
* 1967
* 1969
* 1971
* 1974
* 1976
* 1978
* 1979
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1990
* 1991
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1999
* 2001
* 2004
* 2006
* 2008
* 2011
* 2013
* 2016
* 2018
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2025

Local|

* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959
* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965

* See also: Federal by-elections
* State by-elections
* Elections in Johor
* Kedah
* Kelantan
* Kuala Lumpur
* Labuan
* Malacca
* Negeri Sembilan
* Pahang
* Penang
* Perak
* Perlis
* Putrajaya
* Sabah
* Sarawak
* Selangor
* Terengganu

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template