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The Tyrant Billionaire-Chapter 661 Businessmen In Malaya
Meanwhile, after the Sultan of Johor’s death, Hardy began reaping significant benefits—primarily from the businessmen communities.
The incident, stemming from the Idris family, quickly spread within businessmen circles. For years, the businessmen had suffered oppression from the Malays, harboring deep-seated resentment.
The Idris family was not an isolated case.
This wasn’t the first time 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 businessmen community learned of these events, they were thrilled, cheering and applauding.
Some 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 seemed like a deal worth making.
Recently, Penang and Malacca’s investment offices have been overwhelmed with activity, with throngs of businessmen 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 investment office calculated that the total assets collected in this short period had already exceeded $300 million.
Upon finalizing their agreements, 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 name was engraved:"John Hardy."
Many viewed this plaque as a protective talisman.
Some returned home 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 informed that, upon signing the agreement:
If they were subjected to extortion or unfair treatment, they could contact the Hardy Group. The company’s lawyers would negotiate with the local government 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 came at an additional cost.
Yet, even with extra fees, many were elated—because at long last, someone was willing to protect them. To businessmen, 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 statements 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 businessmen community had undergone a dramatic shift. Incidents of harassment and extortion had dropped sharply, almost disappearing altogether.
The local Sultans and the pro-communist Chinese officials were wary of provoking unnecessary misunderstandings. If someone extorted Malay businessmen 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 businessmen.
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 businessmen and well-educated individuals, seeking a safe environment for development.
Wealthy individuals followed the example of the Idris family, buying properties in Penang and Malacca, relocating their households, and settling permanently. They sought to become citizens of the autonomous territories, enjoying safety and security. Seeing American 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 employment here.
Jobs were plentiful, wages were higher, and life was safe and stable. Who wouldn’t want to live in such an environment?
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, became 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 became synonymous with sky-high property prices. With Hardy’s management and development, 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 emerge 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 methods were even more formidable than those used to control businesses in Japan.
By effectively turning all businessmen in Malaya into his subsidiaries, he not only ensured they worked for him but also earned their gratitude.
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