Chapter 394: The Receiving Territory Has Another Plan

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After the arrival of the warships and security companies in Penang and Malacca, Hardy instructed the local management staff to take over the administration of the two territories.

Previously, Penang and Malacca were directly governed by British authorities from Singapore, with only a few British managers remaining. The rest were local officials and staff.

In the past two days, a new wave of personnel, sent by Hardy, had taken over their positions. The British managers were evacuated, while the local staff temporarily remained in their roles.

Simultaneously, the security company assumed control of local security management.

The handover process proceeded smoothly. The warships stationed in the harbor, along with American soldiers in black military uniforms carrying submachine guns and patrolling the streets continuously, provided a strong deterrent to the locals.

Previously, Hardy had only operated a military base in Penang, focusing on combating piracy and route security. Now, these soldiers were repurposed as urban security personnel. They were accustomed to this role due to HD Security's extensive experience maintaining urban security in the United States.

Initially, the presence of these American soldiers was met with some apprehension by the local residents. However, as it became clear that their presence did not disrupt daily life, people gradually relaxed their guard. The security company's strict regulations ensured that residents were not harassed, and the benefits provided to the security personnel—such as high salaries, bonuses, free lodging, and comprehensive insurance—made their services attractive.

Over the past half month, a large cruise ship had sailed from Hong Kong to Singapore. Upon reaching Singapore, one destroyer, one frigate, and two additional frigates had escorted the ship to Penang.

In June, Penang was abloom with vibrant flowers. Tall, robust palm trees lined the port, where tens of thousands of people had gathered, flowers in hand, to welcome their new governor.

A fleet of ships approached, their whistles echoing through the harbor, and the remaining warships moored in the harbor responded in kind. Eight battleships, a formidable display of military strength, were unmatched even by the British in Malaya.

As the yacht docked, soldiers lined the harbor, and officials waited at the dock for Hardy to disembark. Hardy and Han Yezhen stepped off the boat to enthusiastic cheers, with cameras capturing the moment.

Hardy had brought Han Yezhen to show the local community that his partner was of the same ethnicity, hoping to reassure them. This gesture proved effective, as many felt more at ease seeing Hardy's wife.

At the pier, Hardy delivered a speech outlining his plans for Penang and Malacca. His statements were crucial for the region's future.

"Penang and Malacca will uphold the principle of equality for all. Everyone will be granted the rights of territorial citizenship."

"The legal system will follow British laws, protecting private property, preserving cultural customs, and guaranteeing freedom of belief."

"English will be the official language, but learning other languages will be encouraged. Schools will offer bilingual or multilingual education."

"Penang and Malacca will focus on economic development in industries such as finance, manufacturing, electronics, processing, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, shipping, and foreign trade."

"Job opportunities will be abundant, and immigrants are welcome."

"Wells Fargo and HSBC will establish branches in both Penang and Malacca, and the Hardy Group will open offices here. The Dominion guarantees personal and property safety through HD Security and Defense."

"Penang and Malacca will become centers of security, economic prosperity, employment opportunities, and democratic freedoms."

Many welcomed Hardy's words, appreciating the promise of stability and prosperity over the chaos and insecurity they had previously faced.

Following the speech, Hardy and Han Yezhen took a convertible through the streets, receiving cheers and floral tributes from the crowd. They spent the night at one of Penang's finest hotels, as the governor's residence was still under construction.

The next day, Hardy's speech was published in Southeast Asian newspapers, announcing his takeover of Penang and Malacca and the key points of his policy.

In Malaya, where the privilege policies had led to increased difficulties for many communities, the news was met with hope. Many saw the change in governance as an opportunity for stability and began considering immigration.

On the following day, Hardy met with representatives from Penang and Malacca, including prominent figures from various communities. He reiterated the Dominion's policies and announced plans to establish a parliament.

The third day saw the issuance of the first Governor-General's Order for Penang and Malacca. Peter Smith was appointed Chief Minister, James Ryan as Treasury Secretary, Joe McCarthy as Attorney General, Thomas Jefferson as Chief of Police, Anthony Eden as Minister of Tourism, Transportation, and Engineering, Richard Coles as Minister of Agriculture, Communications, Engineering, and Natural Resources, Pan Xingchen as Minister of Culture, Immigration, and Sports, Truman Bowden as Minister of Education, Aviation, and Planning, and Tong Jiayuan as Minister of Health, Social Welfare, Drug Control, and Rehabilitation.

The appointment of several ministers, including two from diverse backgrounds, reassured the community and strengthened the desire of many to immigrate to Penang and Malacca.

Entrepreneurs and farmers who had been operating in Malaya for generations saw the new governance as a chance for a more stable future. Among them was Huang Henian, who managed extensive plantations and processing plants in Johor. With recent instability and exploitation by local authorities, Huang Henian was considering relocating his family to Malacca and establishing properties there.

Hardy's investment promotion plan, which included low taxes and various incentives, attracted significant interest. Huang Henian was particularly keen on the prospect of Western economic cooperation, viewing it as a more secure option than the instability he faced.

Determined to protect his family and business, Huang Henian decided to visit Malacca to assess the situation. If the stability promised by Hardy's governance held true, he planned to relocate his family and explore opportunities for cooperation.