[4][5][6][7] 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.

[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.

On 15 August 2023, Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, Meranti Assemblyman, appointed as a new Kelantan Menteri Besar, replaced Ahmad Yakob.

On 14 August 2023, incumbent Aminuddin Harun retained his position as Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar for the 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.