Mansur Shah implemented a policy of expansionism during his rule. Many territories in Peninsular Malaysia and eastern Sumatra and the surrounding islands were under the control of Malacca during his rule such as Selangor, Bernam, Kampar, Siak, Manjung, Rupat, Singapore, and Bintan. Mansur Shah also ordered the attack of Pahang by Tun Perak, the Bendahara of Malacca, to secure the defense of Malacca on the east coast. Siantan and Inderagiri in Sumatra were also given to Malacca as dowry for his marriage to the princess of Majapahit.
Marriage alliances
Mansur Shah also used marriage alliances between princesses of Malacca and the rulers of conquered states to strengthen Malacca’s control over those states, such as marriage between the king of Siak to Mansur Shah's daughter, Princess Mahadewi. Such alliances was a factor in Islam's expansion in maritime Southeast Asia. According to historian Tomé Pires Princess Hang Li Po, daughter of Ming DynastyEmperor Yongle. is sent over with her big entourage to marry Sultan Mansur Shah. Princess Hang Li Po remain a mystery and myth because there isn't any record in the Ming Dynasty with the surname of Hang and a princess named Li Po. Emperor Yongle have only 5 princess, Princess Yong'an, Princess Ancheng, Princess Yongping, Princess Xianning and Princess Changning. When Sultan Mansur in reigning power, at that time, the Emperor of MIng Dynasty is Emperor Yingzong instead of Emperor Yongle. Princesses of conquered states were also married to the Sultan of Malaccan, such as Princess Wanang Seri of Pahang and Raden Galoh Candra Kirana.
Economic policy
Mansur Shah reduced taxes on trade items during his reign, which increased the interest of merchants in trading through Malacca. A preferential tariff system was introduced whereby a 6% tax was levied on the trade of merchants from west of Malacca, such as Arabia and India, and a 3% tax was levied on the trade of merchants’ from Maritime Southeast Asia. Merchants from China, Japan and Java were not taxed at all. economic advantage of Malacca was the easy access to labourers.
Spread of Islam
Mansur Shah, who had an interest in Islam, encouraged scholarship in Islamic theological studies, and studied tasawuf himself. He studied under Maulana Abu Bakar, who brought the Ab Darul Manzum scriptures to Malacca. He ordered the translation of the scripture to Malay by Makhdum Patakan. Mansur Shah referred to scholars from Pasai on religious issues due to their expertise.
