It was made a reference in developing the local jurisprudence, with subsequent revisions and additions were made to its contents, to suit the usage in a particular sultanate. Īs a part of important legacy of Melaka, which throughout its existence had exercised strong influence over Maritime Southeast Asia, the legal code of Melaka was copied and spread to other such sultanates as Johor, Perak, Aceh, Brunei and Pattani. It was then continued to be expanded and improved until the reign of the last sultan, Mahmud Shah (1488-1511). Under the order of the fifth Sultan, Muzaffar Shah (1445-1459), the legal digest of Muhammad Shah was further refined with the inclusion new laws and regulations.
Among notable rules mentioned in the Malay Annals, were the prohibition of using yellow clothes and wearing golden anklets. During the reign of Muhammad Shah, laws were issued and recorded along with provisions for punishments of every offenses. All rules, prohibitions and customs that have been codified as laws, were in turn collected through oral traditions and memorized by senior ministers of the sultanate. Early Melakan rulers promulgated court traditions and enforced the existing adat and religious rules to maintain social order. According to Malay Annals, earliest form of justice system had been in existence since the early days of Melaka.
