When Johor votes on July 11, 2026, voters are not only choosing 56 state assembly members — they are effectively deciding who becomes the next Menteri Besar and which coalition runs the state. Here is how that works.
The Menteri Besar is the head of the state government, a role equivalent to a chief minister. The title Menteri Besar is used specifically in the nine Malaysian states that have a hereditary Malay Ruler, and Johor — with its Sultan — is one of them. States without a Ruler use the title Chief Minister instead.
The Menteri Besar is not directly elected to the post. Instead, after a state election, the position goes to the assembly member who commands the confidence of a majority in the State Legislative Assembly. Because a majority requires at least 29 of the 56 seats, the leader of whichever coalition wins that threshold is positioned to become Menteri Besar. The appointment is then formally made by the Sultan of Johor.
Once appointed, the Menteri Besar leads the state executive council, known as the EXCO. This council functions like a state cabinet, with members holding portfolios covering areas within state jurisdiction — such as land, local government, religious affairs, agriculture, public works and social welfare. The EXCO sets state policy and oversees the day-to-day running of government departments and agencies.
During an election period, the outgoing Menteri Besar continues in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. For the 2026 election, Onn Hafiz Ghazi of Barisan Nasional is the caretaker Menteri Besar, having led the Johor government before the assembly was dissolved on June 1, 2026.
So while the ballots list individual candidates, the bigger prize is control of the executive. The coalition that secures a majority will name the Menteri Besar who shapes Johor's government for the years ahead — which is why the contest for those 56 seats matters so much.
