This project synthesises two areas of focus in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of hitherto neglected research subjects: (i) the role of women in framing and re-framing Islamic politics in Malaysia; and (ii) Malaysia’s Islamic and Islamist influence in Southeast Asia. It shall be conducted over two years as a multi-methods project. The policy implications of this project are multiple and include potential proposals for interstate security policy concerning terrorism, Singapore’s foreign policy concerning Islam, and Singapore’s domestic religious management. While little is currently known about the proposed research areas, it is anticipated that the knowledge produced may result in a significant development in both academic and policy understandings of Malaysian political Islam — from Malaysia as a passive recipient of Islamist influence, to Malaysia’s active role in shaping a tradition of Islamism in the region and beyond.