Cover image via SAYSIn Malaysia, a party or coalition usually needs at least 112 seats in the Dewan Rakyat to form the federal government on its own.
This is because the Dewan Rakyat currently has 222 parliamentary seats, and 112 is the simple majority. That means a party, coalition or group of MPs needs support from at least 112 MPs to have a working majority.
If one side wins 112 seats or more, it can usually form a government more straightforwardly. If no side reaches 112 seats, parties and coalitions may need to negotiate support.
What happened in GE14?
In the 2018 general election, Pakatan Harapan and its allies crossed the 112-seat threshold.
Pakatan Harapan, together with allied support, won enough seats to form the federal government after GE14.
That is why the change of government in 2018 was clear: the winning side had enough parliamentary seats to command majority support.
What happened in GE15?
In the 2022 general election, no single party or coalition won enough seats on its own.
Pakatan Harapan won the most seats, but it did not reach 112. Perikatan Nasional also fell short.
This created a hung Parliament, meaning no side had a simple majority by itself. Parties and coalitions then had to negotiate support before a government could be formed.
What is a hung Parliament?
A hung Parliament happens when no party or coalition has enough seats to govern on its own.
In Malaysia's current 222-seat Dewan Rakyat, this means no side reaches 112 seats. A hung Parliament does not mean there is no government forever. It means parties need to build enough support after the election.
This can lead to coalition agreements, confidence support, or a unity government.
Can the party with the most seats fail to form a government?
Yes, if it cannot command enough support. The party or coalition with the most seats has an advantage, but it still needs enough support to lead.
Government formation depends on majority confidence in the Dewan Rakyat, not simply coming first in the seat count.
In Malaysia, popular vote does not by itself decide government formation, because seats and confidence in the legislature matter more. A party can win many votes nationwide but still fail to win enough parliamentary seats. What matters after a general election is how many seats each side has, and whether enough MPs support the formation of a government.
Frequently asked questions
How many seats are in the Dewan Rakyat?
There are currently 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
How many seats are needed for a simple majority?
At least 112 seats.
What happens if no one gets 112 seats?
Parties and coalitions may negotiate support until one side can command majority confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.
Did GE15 result in a hung Parliament?
Yes. GE15 produced a hung Parliament because no single party or coalition won enough seats on its own.
Can the number 112 change?
Yes. If the number of Dewan Rakyat seats changes in the future, the simple-majority number would also change.
Related election guides
- How To Vote In Malaysia: A Complete Polling Day Guide For First-Time And Returning Voters
- Can Malaysians Overseas Vote In A General Election?
- How To Apply For Postal Voting From Overseas
- Who Qualifies For Postal Voting In Malaysia?
- What Happens If Your Postal Ballot Does Not Arrive?
- Postal Voting In Malaysia: Who Qualifies, How To Apply, And What Overseas Voters Need To Know
- What Disqualifies Someone For Voting In Malaysia?
Last updated: 4 August 2026
