Chapter 397 I have the final say on the territory you ask

How big are Penang and Malacca?

The main city of Penang is on an island with a strait in the middle and a piece of land separated on the opposite side. The total area is 1,046 square kilometers, which is about the same size as Hong Kong. Malacca is slightly larger, with an area of ​​more than 1,700 square kilometers.

The two places are about the size of a county in the country.

Penang now has a population of over 300,000, about half of whom are Chinese, and the rest are Malays, Indians, etc.

Penang later developed mainly in the electronics industry and was known as the Little Silicon Valley. Hadi thought it would be a good idea to build a chip production base here in the future.

There are also very good docks here. Although it is not as well-endowed as Singapore, it can still become a world-class transshipment port and promote local development.

There are only more than 200,000 people in Malacca now, 40% of whom are Chinese. Some of them have settled here for hundreds of years. They even stayed here during the Ming Dynasty. It was called Manchuria during the Ming Dynasty. Zheng He established a fleet base here when he sailed to the West.

These two places are actually not very big, but in comparison, they are both larger than Singapore, which is only more than 700 square kilometers.

Moreover, they have an advantage over Singapore, that is, they are located on land and have natural water sources. Singapore is an isolated island with extremely scarce water resources. They can only purchase water from Malaya and transport it to Malacca through pipelines.

Singapore's advantage is its excellent geographical location. It is located at the throat of the world's maritime transportation. In later generations, Singapore made a lot of money just by relying on the shipping industry and became a developed country with an annual per capita income of more than 60,000 US dollars, ranking eighth in the world.

Hadi was preparing to go to Penang and Malacca, but before leaving, Hadi asked HD Defense Company to increase troops at the two military bases in Penang and Singapore.

At the same time, the two Fryderyk-class destroyers purchased last year were dispatched to Penang with full crews.

In this way,

HD Defense's base in Southeast Asia has a total staff of more than 3,000 people, and its warships include two destroyers, two frigates, four 600-ton patrol frigates, and twelve 80-ton torpedo boats.

......

Hadi led his team and flew to Singapore on a private plane. This time, the Governor of Singapore, Mountbatten, came to pick them up in person.

"Baron Hardy, welcome to Singapore. Congratulations on obtaining two fiefs. Penang and Malacca are two precious tracts of land," Mountbatten said with a smile.

Hardy waved his hands with a helpless expression.

"It would be great if this is really a treasure land. Actually, at the beginning, I just wanted to buy a piece of land in Singapore and build a transshipment port. I didn't expect it to turn out like this."

Mountbatten knew that Hardy had spent 400 million US dollars this time, and he was shocked when he heard the number.

"His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister will certainly remember your contribution to the empire," said Governor Mountbatten with a smile.

"Let's go to the Governor's Mansion and have a chat."

Hadi was then invited to the Governor's Palace.

After the two sat down, Hadi asked, "Governor Mountbatten, you were originally in charge of Penang and Malacca. I would like to know from you whether there are any conflicts between the two places. I don't want any trouble to arise when I take over the fiefdom."

"Oh, there are indeed some minor problems. It all started a few years ago when we were preparing to form the Malayan Union..."

Governor Mountbatten then told Hardy about Britain's series of operations and events in regaining Malaya after driving out the Japanese.

In fact, Hardy had already known all of this clearly from the information provided by Henry's intelligence department.

After India, Myanmar and other places gained independence, Britain did not want to give up Malaya, its last colony, and prepared to implement direct rule. However, the local Sultan disagreed, and the Malayan Federation, which had only been established for a few months, was dissolved.

In fact, during this period, the Chinese did not cause any trouble.

Later, in order to control the Malayans, Britain announced that it would grant special privileges to the Sultan and the Malayans. In fact, this management method was a conspiracy of the British to create division. They had also implemented this management method in India, Africa and other countries.

By dividing the two nations and setting them against each other, the British can rule the place with very few troops.

But the Chinese disagreed with this because if the Malays were given special privileges, it would mean that the Chinese would become second-class citizens and lose many benefits and rights.

Soon after, the Chinese also established many organizations, such as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the British Chinese Association, etc., to oppose the Malay privileges and demand the restoration of normal rights.

Some conflicts broke out later, including the British police arresting people, forcibly disbanding organizations, and taking actions to prevent the Labour Party from having an impact here.

In short, there are so many things to worry about, and the disputes never stop.

This is also one of the important reasons why many people believe that Hadi’s purchase of Penang and Malacca was a losing deal.

Even the Governor-General Mountbatten in front of him was not optimistic about Hadi's investment. He estimated that Hadi would be caught in the whirlpool and leave in disgrace. He was afraid that his 400 million US dollars would only leave the 50 square kilometers of port land in Singapore.

......

In fact, when Hadi and Mountbatten were discussing the Penang and Malacca issues, some people were also discussing them.

In a Chinese courtyard in Penang, seven or eight Chinese were sitting together talking about Hadi. They were discussing whether it was good or bad for Britain to suddenly give Penang to Hadi as a fiefdom.

"I heard that Baron Hardy was originally an American. What kind of rules do you think he would set for Penang and Malacca?"

Someone said, "Didn't the newspaper say that this place will be an autonomous territory from now on, and Governor Hadi will be in charge. He will be the emperor from now on."

Someone nearby said, "I don't know if he is willing to give us Chinese citizenship rights. As long as we can live a good life, who would want to make trouble?"

"Some people are too radical. We are just a handful of people and we don't have the strength or ground to be independent. Being able to fight for equal rights is the best outcome."

"Can we get in touch with them in advance and tell them what we want?"

"I remember that the Hongmen seems to have business dealings with them. Can we contact them?"

"Give it a try."

"By the way, let's connect with Malacca and Singapore, so that we can be more powerful."

After talking with Singapore Governor Mountbatten, Hadi rested for a day. The next day, instead of going directly to Malacca and Penang to take over the land, he flew to Hong Kong on a private plane.

When getting off the plane, Hadi did not leave in a low profile. Instead, he accepted an interview with reporters, who asked him many questions.

One of the reporters asked: "First of all, congratulations to Baron Hadi for being promoted to Viscount and obtaining the fiefs of Penang and Malacca in Malaya. Mr. Hadi, how do you plan to build those two fiefs?"

Hadi smiled and said, "The geographical location there is no worse than Hong Kong. I hope they can develop like Hong Kong in the future and achieve success in finance, manufacturing, processing, shipping and other industries."

Hadi was interviewed.

In fact, it is sending a signal to the outside world.

I am in Hong Kong.

......

Luxury homes in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong.

Hadi holds his eight-month-old son.

The little boy was chubby, with shiny black eyes and thick hair. He was looking at Hardy curiously, making babbling sounds all the time.

Han Yizhen beside him smiled and said, "Bourne may have eaten it. He is particularly strong and can already crawl."

Hardy played with the little guy for a long time, and the little guy became familiar with Hardy. After all, they were blood relatives. The little guy also seemed to know that this was his father and his future support, so he became especially close to Hardy.

The next day.

Victor and the presidents of HSBC and Wells Fargo came one after another to report to Hardy on the developments during this period.

Although the embargo has had a certain impact on Hong Kong, it is a business opportunity for the Hadi Group. The profitability of the Hadi Group during this period is far greater than before. Because of Hadi as a middleman, the overall impact on Hong Kong is not significant.

The biggest influence came from the British firms.

night.

John Wick arrived at the villa in the hillside and reported to Hardy: "Boss, I have been in contact with the organization in Malaya. They just sent someone to contact me. Their leader hopes to meet you."

Hadi thought,

Waiting for you.

"Only one person?" Hardy asked.

"There are three people in total, including representatives from Chinese organizations in Penang, Malacca and Singapore," said Wick.

"Where are they?"

“We have arrived in Hong Kong.”

Hadi thought for a moment and said, "Let them come to the manor to see me tomorrow afternoon."

When several representatives were informed that Hardy was willing to meet them, they were all excited and gathered in a room to discuss for half the night.

The next day they packed up early and prepared to meet Hardy. When the car arrived at the manor, the three got off and found a young man standing in the yard holding a child, looking at the Victoria Bay in the distance.

The three men read Hardy's report and recognized at a glance that this person was the famous Baron John Hardy, the new Governor of Penang and Malacca.

Hardy turned around and looked at the three people, nodded slightly, and came over with the child in his arms. The child in Hardy's arms was babbling.

"Are you from Penang, Malacca and Singapore?" Hadi walked up to the three people and said in Mandarin.

The three of them were slightly stunned. They didn't expect Hardy to speak Mandarin so well.

"It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Hadi. I am Pan Xingchen from Penang, this is Tong Jiayuan from Malacca, and this is Xu Shaoxiong from Singapore."

Hardy nodded.

At this moment, Han Ye-jin came out of the house and said with a smile, "You have a guest, give the child to me."

Han Ye-jin also speaks Mandarin.

Pan Xingchen and the other two looked at Han Ye-jin, nodded and smiled. They knew before they came that Hardy had a wife here, who was Chinese American, and that they first got to know Hardy through Han Ye-jin.

Hardy handed the child over with a smile, but the little guy was still reluctant to leave and grabbed Hardy's clothes with his little hands.

"Play with mom first. Dad will play with you after he finishes talking to you." Hardy advised with a smile.

I don’t know if he really understood, but the little guy really let go and fell into his mother’s arms.

Hadi brought the three of them to the study. The servant brought them tea and left. Pan Xingchen said, "Mr. Hadi, our purpose this time is..."

Before Pan Xingchen could finish, Hadi raised his hand to interrupt them.

"I can guess your intention. Singapore's affairs are not my business. Penang and Malacca are my fiefdoms. I agreed to meet you today because I want to convey my views through you."

Hardy's words are very domineering.

But he is the governor.

Now Penang and Malacca belong to him, and he must be the leader. The other party sees him just to fight for their rights.

They may want some rights, even independence.

Hadi has no intention of negotiating anything with them. Instead, he is prepared to say whatever I say and you listen to whatever I say. I am the one who makes the decisions on my turf, and as for the differences, you have to overcome them yourselves.

Pan Xingchen and others looked dismayed, thinking that this Mr. Hardy might be very difficult to talk to, and the result of this meeting might not be very good.

Seeing that the three of them were silent and looking at him, Hadi continued:

"Penang and Malacca will not be independent in the future. They will only be my fiefdoms and British dominions."

"In a few days, I will go to take over Penang and Malacca. The Governor's Office will be located in Penang. From now on, my policy for implementing the fiefdom will be..."

After hearing this, the three of them looked at Hadi intently, because the next words of the Governor-General would determine the future of the Chinese.

"First, the Dominion upholds the principle of equality for all. No one is superior to anyone else, and everyone will be granted the rights of a territorial citizen."

“Second, freedom of religious belief.”

"Third, freedom of language and writing. English is the official language, but learning Chinese and other languages ​​is not prohibited. Schools can provide bilingual or even trilingual teaching."

"Fourth, we can preserve our own national customs."

"Fifth, protect private property and implement the British legal system."

"Sixthly, the political system of Penang and Malacca Dominions is the Governor-General Responsibility System. The Governor represents the Queen and is appointed by the Queen. He has the power to manage internal affairs, foreign affairs, defense, public security and public services."

"Seventh, the Dominion will establish a parliament. Everyone will have the right to participate in politics and the appointment of officials at all levels will also seek the opinions of the parliament. The parliament will have certain powers over the economic construction and administrative management of the Dominion."

"Eighth, the judicial power of the Dominion shall be appointed by the Governor-General, who shall be responsible for appointing the Chief Constable, the Attorney General and the Chief Justice."

"Ninth, the military power of the dominion is entirely the responsibility of the Governor-General, and the Parliament has no jurisdiction."

After hearing the conditions proposed by Hardy, the three were actually very happy because they came here to seek equal rights.

As for thinking about independence.

They knew the possibility was slim, and the conditions offered by Hadi were very reasonable. He also agreed to establish a parliament with members having certain rights.

Hadi had no intention of negotiating with them, he just wanted to inform them that human desires are endless, and no matter how good the conditions Hadi offers, there will always be people who are dissatisfied.

He can't satisfy everyone's requests.

Then just listen to me.

If you are convinced, just stay here.

If you are not convinced, move out by yourself.

The three did not stay for long. After bidding farewell to Hadi, they returned to Malaya without much delay. On the way, Tong Jiayuan of Malacca said: "I think the conditions offered by the new governor are acceptable. At least they are much better than those offered by the British."

Pan Xingchen from Penang said: "The British conspiracy is not hard to guess. They want to divide us and the Malays and rule them separately so that they can reap the benefits and continue to maintain colonial rule. We don't want to cause trouble. We just want a stable living environment. Besides, we have lived like this for hundreds of years. It's just that the British are bullying us too much."

"In fact, Governor Hadi's conditions are within the acceptable range discussed before we came here."

Xu Shaoxiong of Singapore frowned and said, "To be honest, if Governor Hadi also gave Singapore such conditions, we would accept it. But he doesn't want to talk about Singapore's affairs. Singapore's future is still uncertain."

In fact, Hadi finally gave up Singapore for his own reasons.

There are always some people who want to achieve certain ideals and pursuits, and they think it is better to guide the traffic than to block it. As for where to guide the traffic, it will naturally be diverted to Singapore, and Singapore is also the seat of the British governor.

After Penang and Malacca became dominions, it was estimated that those who were making trouble would gradually lose their living ground and popular base, because after continuous wars, people's minds had settled and they didn't want to make trouble anymore.

If Hadi takes over all three places, there will definitely be some people who disagree, and it will turn into Hadi facing diehards.

To be honest,

It was impossible for Hadi to take action against them, so he simply gave up on Singapore and let it become a sinkhole.

The three returned to their local area and explained the situation to their respective chambers of commerce and organizations.

When people in Penang and Malacca heard about Hadi's conditions, many thought it was acceptable. After all, they had lived like that before, and they could totally accept being on equal status with the Malays. They also heard that Governor Hadi's wife was a Chinese and had children, so they thought he would not be too bad to the Chinese.

As for what the Malays think, they don't care.

A few days later,

Hadi received the notice.

The two battleships have successfully arrived in Penang and Singapore, the reinforcement has been completed, and the intelligence department has also collected intelligence on Penang and Malacca.

After the representatives who met with Hadi returned to their local areas and told them about the policies Hadi was going to implement, the vast majority of the people were willing to accept them and the public mood was stable.

But it’s different in Singapore.

They received intelligence that Singapore was preparing to organize a major strike, with the number of people possibly exceeding tens of thousands.