Next Malaysian general election

Main parties

The incumbent ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition had previously won the 2018 election prior to collapsing in the aftermath of the 2020 political crisis. Following the 2022 election that resulted in the country's first hung parliament, the multiracial and reformist coalition formed a negotiated unity government under the leadership of longtime opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.^[12][13] Perikatan Nasional (PN) acts as the main opposition at the federal level following its loss in 2022 and the leadership's refusal to participate in the unity arrangement. The far-right former ruling coalition was formed amid the 2020 crisis which led to the formation of a PN-led government under Muhyiddin Yassin.^[12] Barisan Nasional (BN), the country's former ruling coalition of 61 years, continues to retain substantial support and kingmaker capacity. The coalition had undergone a pragmatic shift in the aftermath of the last election, participating in the unity government and allying itself with PH, its longtime historical rival, as a junior coalition partner. The two coalitions also planned an electoral pact for the upcoming election, intending to avoid seat overlaps while uniting their election machineries with the goal of maintaining the pre-election status quo.^[14][15] Two allied and component parties of Pakatan Harapan in the previous election has ended their cooperation with PH for various reasons. MUDA defected into opposition in 2023, citing No Further Action decision on Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi's corruption scandal as trigger, eventually forming Blok Progresif with left wing parties such as Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM).^[16][17] while UPKO quit before the 2025 Sabah election and decided to join GRS later, citing disagreement with federal government's reaction on court ruling on 40% oil revenue sharing promised to Sabah.^[18][19]

Further rupture of ties were seen in first half of 2026, both in government and opposition. On the government side, two Barisan Nasional state chapters in Negeri Sembilan and Johor triggered uncertainties of PH and BN cooperation. 14 state assemblymen of BN in Negeri Sembilan, citing mistrust with Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun's response on the royal affair in the state, retracted their support for state government in April 2026.^[20] BN Johor, who never formed a Unity Government pact with PH Johor, decided in May 2026 to continue contesting alone in 2026 Johor state election.^[21] As result, these two states faced earlier state election where PH and BN compete against each other.^[22] On 17 May 2026, former Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli took over BERSAMA party and together with his followers announced joint resignation as MP and defection from PKR.^[23] On the opposition side, due to strained party-to-party relations, PAS decided to break political cooperation with BERSATU on 8 June 2026.^[24] Both parties however confirmed separately they would remain members of PN.^[25][26] Leader of Opposition Hamzah Zainuddin and his faction were either suspended or expelled by their party BERSATU on 13 February 2026 (with some decisions made separately before and after that).^[27] While remaining as independent MPs and assemblymen, the group announced formation of WAWASAN party friendly to PAS.^[28]

In addition to the major national coalitions, a number of regional parties and coalitions in East Malaysia are expected to be key players due to their potential as kingmakers in the post-election government formation. Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a Sarawak-based coalition formed by former BN components, presently dominates politics in Sarawak and commands a significant bloc of parliamentary seats. In Sabah, the two largest parties are Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the ruling state government, and Parti Warisan (WARISAN), the state's main opposition. GRS supports stronger federal-state cooperation and is seen as closer to the unity government,^[29] whereas WARISAN takes a more antagonistic stance against the federal government, utilising 'Sabah for Sabahan' rhetoric while simultaneously sitting in the government bench.^[30] Within GRS, the election would be the first time its main component party GAGASAN contesting in a federal election after takeover by Chief Minister Hajiji's faction. The performances of these regional parties and their decisions to align with specific national coalitions is seen as key in determining the post-election government formation owing to the country's fragmented party system.

Prospective candidates

Dissolution of parliament

The Constitution of Malaysia requires that a general election be held in the fifth calendar year after the first sitting unless it is dissolved earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong following a motion of no confidence, loss of supply or a request by the prime minister.

The 15th Parliament of Malaysia first convened on 19 December 2022. If the term of the 15th Parliament reaches its maximum date, it will automatically dissolve on 19 December 2027, paving way for an election within 60 days. The latest date for the 16th General Election will therefore be on 17 February 2028.

Dissolution of state legislatures

While any state may dissolve its legislature independently of Parliament, most of them had historically dissolved at around the same time as Parliament such that federal and state elections are held simultaneously. In accordance with Malaysian law, Parliament as well as the legislative assemblies of each state would automatically expire on the fifth anniversary of the first sitting of a term, unless dissolved prior to that date by the relevant heads of state on the advice of their respective heads of government. Elections must be held within sixty days of expiry or dissolution.

More information Dates of the legislature of each state would expire and their actual dissolution dates, Legislature (and term number) ...

Dates of the legislature of each state would expire and their actual dissolution dates
Legislature (and term number)	Term began	Refs	Term ends (on or before)	Latest possible election date	Refs
Malacca (15th)	27 December 2021	[32]	27 December 2026	25 February 2027
Sarawak (19th)	14 February 2022	[33]	14 February 2027	15 April 2027
Perlis (15th)	19 December 2022	[34]	19 December 2027	17 February 2028
Perak (15th)	19 December 2022	[35]	19 December 2027	17 February 2028
Pahang (15th)	29 December 2022	[36]	29 December 2027	27 February 2028
Penang (15th)	29 August 2023	[37]	29 August 2028	28 October 2028
Kelantan (15th)	5 September 2023	[38]	5 September 2028	4 November 2028
Selangor (15th)	19 September 2023	[39]	19 September 2028	18 November 2028
Terengganu (15th)	24 September 2023	[40]	24 September 2028	23 November 2028
Kedah (15th)	25 September 2023	[41]	25 September 2028	24 November 2028
Sabah (17th)	11 December 2025	[42]	11 December 2030	9 February 2031
Johor (16th)	TBA
Negeri Sembilan (15th)	26 September 2023	[43]	5 June 2026	1 August 2026

Close