Literally, "big minister" in Malay, a Menteri Besar is a Chief Executive of the state governments of Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan in Malaysia—that is, all states with royal rulers.

The office was created by the British colonial government in 1948, in tandem with the creation of the Federation of Malaya. After the country achieved independence from Britain in 1957, the office became elective, with the leader of the biggest party in the state legislative assemblies assuming that post.