Chapter 411: Buying Half of Johor
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The assassination of the Sultan of Johor tested the boundaries of British and American tolerance, with both nations largely indifferent to Malaya's political upheavals. Given Johor's status as a colony and the prevailing momentum toward independence, this detachment was unsurprising.
Countries like Fasu were preoccupied with their own issues and paid little attention to Johor's turmoil. The United Nations, still in its early years and lacking authority, could not intervene effectively.
For Hardy, the situation offered several advantages. First, it elevated the profile of his security and mercenary operations on the global stage. HD Security and HD Mercenaries would now command respect, and Hardy's personal stature would naturally rise.
Second, Hardy acquired substantial assets. The local community in Malaya, possessing considerable wealth, was now more aligned with Hardy. This shift promised future growth in Penang and Malacca as investors and immigrants flocked to these regions.
Third, Hardy was poised to significantly expand his land holdings. This expansion would enhance his influence and control.
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**Singapore**
Two days after the Sultan's death, Maha, the Sultan's fourth heir, was approached. With the deaths of his eldest brother and two nephews, Maha was next in line for the throne. The news of his ascension excited him, as he had little regard for his deceased relatives.
Smith, the intermediary from earlier, approached Maha with a direct offer. "Maha, we have fulfilled our part of the agreement. Now, it's your turn to fulfill yours," Smith said.
Maha understood the gravity of the situation. He knew he could not oppose Smith's wishes without risking his own life. "I am willing to fulfill my promise, but I am unsure about the support from others. I had no power or influence before. Even as Sultan, I might struggle to control the current factions," Maha expressed his concerns.
Smith reassured him, "We have anticipated these issues. We will support your claim to the throne and handle any opposition."
Maha felt a shiver of realization. His role as Sultan might be more symbolic than authoritative, but he had no alternative but to rely on these powerful allies.
"Alright, I will follow your arrangements," Maha agreed.
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**A Week Later**
The Sultan's funeral was a grand affair, managed by Maha, who was now the designated heir. The procession, attended predominantly by Malays, was a significant event. Maha was accompanied by his family members, including his four younger brothers and seven nephews, all of whom had a claim to the throne but were ranked below him.
During the funeral, Maha sensed the resentment and indifference from his relatives. They saw the throne as a prize, and Maha's ascension created tensions. Maha, lacking political influence and personal power, felt isolated. His lack of support was evident when many cars overtook his vehicle, a deliberate slight signaling his unworthiness.
Johor, while part of Malaya and a British colony with its own unique political system, was now under scrutiny. The sultan's death and the heir's uncertain position made the political landscape volatile.
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**A Few Days Later**
Maha returned to his residence in Johor Bahru, finding himself largely forgotten. No one reached out to inform him about the succession ceremony, as if he was an afterthought.
Meanwhile, some of Maha's younger brothers were conspiring to seize power. However, not everyone was aligned with their plans. The Chief of Staff of the Johor Military Police, the head of Johor's military, received a call offering support for Maha's rise to power in exchange for certain benefits.
"I support Maha's claim," the military chief affirmed.
Similarly, key figures such as the Minister of Finance, the Judge, and the Superintendent of Police were also approached and offered support. Their compliance was essential for Maha's consolidation of power.
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**A Week Later**
Maha was formally declared Sultan in a grand ceremony, riding in an open jeep and receiving the admiration of Johor Bahru's citizens. Sultan Ismail was now a forgotten figure in history.
After Maha's ascension, new appointments were made, replacing the former ministers and officials. Hardy had prepared for this transition, ensuring that the new appointees were aligned with his interests. Disobedience was not an option.
Maha had achieved his lifelong dream of becoming Sultan, but he knew he was now a mere puppet in Hardy's grand scheme. Despite his loss of autonomy, he had gained considerable wealth.
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**One Month Later**
Johor entered into a deal with the Dominion of Malacca and Penang to sell half of its land to Hardy. The transaction covered 9,000 square kilometers for $30 million, with the payment made in various forms such as infrastructure development and materials, with the rest paid in installments over 20 years.
This deal expanded Malacca's territory significantly, integrating Johor's land into Malacca's domain and transforming Johor into a region surrounded by Malacca and Singapore.
The news of the land sale shocked many, sparking speculation about dark deals and conspiracies. Critics likened Hardy's actions to historical colonial exploitation. Nonetheless, the U.S. and Britain remained passive, with the Singapore Governor defending the legality of the transaction.
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**Andy's Visit**
Andy traveled from the United States to Penang, partly for leisure and partly to witness Hardy's achievements in Southeast Asia. He was impressed by Hardy's ability to turn places like the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, and Japan into significant financial hubs.
Hardy's latest venture into Penang and Malacca promised to elevate these regions into major financial centers, akin to Hong Kong. Andy saw the potential for immense growth and profitability, particularly given the recent developments in Johor.
As Andy relaxed on a beach in Penang, he noticed a girl walking by. Their brief exchange of glances struck him deeply. The sight of her brought a flutter to his heart, a rare and unexpected feeling given his past experiences.
Andy watched the girl until she disappeared from view, his emotions stirred by the fleeting moment of connection.