The 13 states are based on historical Malay kingdoms , and 9 of the 13 states , known as the Malay states , each has a hereditary ruler as titular head of state and an executive Chief Minister or Menteri Besar as politically responsible head of government .
The nine Malay States have a hereditary Ruler as titular Head of state and an executive Chief Minister or Menteri Besar as politically responsible Head of government .