Chapter 393: I Am in Charge of Asking

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Penang and Malacca differ in size, with Penang covering approximately 1,046 square kilometers and Malacca slightly larger at over 1,700 square kilometers. Penang's population exceeds 300,000, consisting mainly of Chinese, with notable Malay and Indian communities. The region is recognized for its electronics industry, earning it the nickname "Little Silicon Valley." Malacca, with a population of over 200,000, also has a significant Chinese presence, some of whom have been there for centuries. Despite their smaller size compared to Singapore, Penang and Malacca benefit from natural resources and advantages that Singapore, with its limited resources, lacks.

To bolster his military presence, Hardy increased the number of troops at the bases in Penang and Singapore, and dispatched two Fletcher-class destroyers to Penang. With over 3,000 personnel and a fleet of naval vessels, the HD Defense Company enhanced its Southeast Asian operations.

Upon arriving in Singapore, Hardy was welcomed by Governor Mountbatten, who was impressed by Hardy's substantial investment of $400 million. Initially, Hardy had intended to acquire land in Singapore for a transshipment port, but his plans had expanded to include Penang and Malacca.

Governor Mountbatten briefed Hardy on the local tensions arising from historical British policies that had favored Malays and created friction with the Chinese community. Hardy was aware of these issues from his intelligence reports and aimed to avoid complications in his new territories.

In Penang, local leaders were discussing the implications of Hardy's acquisition. They hoped for fair treatment and rights under the new governance. Hardy planned to address these concerns directly to ensure stability and prosperity for all residents.

Instead of heading straight to Penang and Malacca, Hardy first visited Hong Kong. During an interview, he outlined his vision to develop Penang and Malacca into financial and manufacturing hubs similar to Hong Kong. This public statement was a strategic move to communicate his plans and commitment.

In Hong Kong, Hardy spent time with his son before receiving updates from Victor and the heads of HSBC and Wells Fargo about the Hardy Group's performance amid the embargo. The group's profitability had increased, with Hardy acting as a middleman in a thriving market.

John Wick informed Hardy about a meeting with representatives from Malaya's organizations. Hardy met with Pan Xingchen from Penang, Tong Jiayuan from Malacca, and Xu Shaoxiong from Singapore. He addressed their concerns by outlining his policies for Penang and Malacca, focusing on equality, freedom, and legal protections.

Hardy's conditions were well-received by the representatives, who were seeking equal rights and fair treatment. Although he did not address Singapore in his policies, Hardy's strategy was to leave Singapore to its own devices, believing that focusing on Penang and Malacca would stabilize the region.

The representatives returned to their communities with a generally positive response. However, reports indicated that Singapore was preparing for a major general strike, potentially involving tens of thousands of people.

Hardy was prepared for the challenges ahead, confident that his approach would bring stability and prosperity to Penang and Malacca while managing the complexities of his new territories.