During Gandar Wahid's reign, the position of the four Karo tribal leaders (Malay: datuk empat suku, Karo: raja urung) became more established as sultan's representatives to the people.[3] Continuing the previous leadership system, he maintained the implementation of the Islamic legal code (kanun) in his administration.[3] Although part of the Deli territory had already seceded to form the Sultanate of Serdang,[4] he endeavored to improve the welfare of the people remaining in his domain and maintained good social relations with them.[3] Also during his reign, the Zapin Labuhan dance was developed, reflecting the Deli Malay cultural growth of his period.[5]