anwhile, after the Sultan of Johor’s death, Hardy began reaping significant benefits—primarily from the businessn communities.
The incident, stemming from the Idris family, quickly spread within businessn circles. For years, the businessn had suffered oppression from the Malays, harboring deep-seated resentnt.
The Idris family was not an isolated case.
This wasn’t the first ti such incidents had occurred, and they knew things would likely escalate further, with the perpetrators growing increasingly audacious.
The Hardy Group deployed warships, bombers, and troops—bombing military camps, assassinating the Sultan, and rescuing the Idris family.
When the businessn community learned of these events, they were thrilled, cheering and applauding.
So thought,Paying fees to the Hardy Group actually works!Many began to consider the proposition: by giving up 40% of their assets, they could buy safety and stability while aligning with a powerful ally. For many, this seed like a deal worth making.
Recently, Penang and Malacca’s investnt offices have been overwheld with activity, with throngs of businessn flocking to them every day.
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According to reports presented to Hardy by his officials, within just two weeks:
Over 300 large business partners were added.More than 1,500 small business partners signed up.Over 5,000 micro-business partners joined.
In this structure:
Large businesses were defined as having assets exceeding $2 million.Small businesses ranged between $500,000 and $2 million.Micro-businesses were valued below $500,000.
Even small shops, such as grocery stores, could join the Hardy Group’s business network as long as they agreed to collaborate.
The investnt office calculated that the total assets collected in this short period had already exceeded $300 million.
Upon finalizing their agreents, each partner received a plaque from the Hardy Group.
Made of brass, the plaque bore the inscription:"Hardy Group Partner" in three languages: English, Malay and Chinese.
At the bottom, a na was engraved:"John Hardy."
Many viewed this plaque as a protective talisman.
So returned ho and held grand ceremonies to display the plaque, complete with gongs, lion dances, and dragon dances—more extravagant than their opening ceremonies. The purpose was clear: to publicly announce to their communities that they were now under the Hardy Group’s protection.
These business owners were also inford that, upon signing the agreent:
If they were subjected to extortion or unfair treatnt, they could contact the Hardy Group. The company’s lawyers would negotiate with the local governnt on their behalf.
If they were robbed or physically attacked, they could call HD Security, which would "negotiate" directly with the perpetrators.
Of course, these services ca at an additional cost.
Yet, even with extra fees, many were elated—because at long last, soone was willing to protect them. To businessn, no price was too high for peace of mind.
The incident in Johor, where a Sultan was assassinated, served as a stark precedent.
Although local Sultans continued to make public statents in newspapers, they were deeply afraid. Who knew if offending Governor Hardy would lead to their own demise next?
In recent weeks, the attitude of the pro-communist toward the businessn community had undergone a dramatic shift. Incidents of harassnt and extortion had dropped sharply, almost disappearing altogether.
The local Sultans and the pro-communist Chinese officials were wary of provoking unnecessary misunderstandings. If soone extorted Malay businessn and the Hardy Group interpreted it as the Sultan’s doing, what would happen then? To avoid such scenarios, the Sultans issued strict orders to Chinese officials under them no more extorting businessn.
In this very pragmatic world, power spoke louder than reason.Weapons and force carried real authority.
Penang and Malacca, during this period, saw a significant influx of immigrants, mostly inspiring businessn and well-educated individuals, seeking a safe environnt for developnt.
Wealthy individuals followed the example of the Idris family, buying properties in Penang and Malacca, relocating their households, and settling permanently. They sought to beco citizens of the autonomous territories, enjoying safety and security. Seeing Arican soldiers patrolling the streets only reinforced their sense of safety.
Those without wealth also migrated to Penang and Malacca. The areas were expanding, with many businesses establishing themselves and requiring large numbers of workers. People could find employnt here.
Jobs were plentiful, wages were higher, and life was safe and stable. Who wouldn’t want to live in such an environnt?
The massive influx of immigrants caused a sharp rise in land prices in Penang and Malacca. When Hardy took control of these regions, all land, except that held by inhabitants, beca his property. The skyrocketing land values significantly increased his wealth.
However, Hardy was in no rush to sell any land.
He believed that land in these regions would only grow more valuable.
In later years, Hong Kong beca synonymous with sky-high property prices. With Hardy’s managent and developnt, Penang and Malacca were destined to rival or even surpass Hong Kong. Owning over 80% of the land in these regions, Hardy was sitting on an enormous fortune.
In addition to the land, Hardy also gained access to a vast number of business collaborators.
In the future, all businesses in Malaya would owe Hardy 40% of their equity.
Hardy envisioned a future where all these Malay magnates worked for him. The top ten wealthiest individuals would undoubtedly erge from Hardy’s economic circle. He was confident that, with the Hardy Group’s support—be it in importing advanced machinery for these affiliated companies or marketing their products around the world—at least 90 of the top 100 Malay businesses would belong to his network.
This represented an astronomical fortune.
Hardy’s thods were even more formidable than those used to control businesses in Japan.
By effectively turning all businessn in Malaya into his subsidiaries, he not only ensured they worked for him but also earned their gratitude.
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