The Tyrant Billionaire

When the warships and personnel from the security company arrived in Penang and Malacca, Hardy informed the local administrators to prepare for the handover of the two regions.

Originally, Penang and Malacca were under the direct jurisdiction of the Governor of Singapore, managed by a small group of British administrators, numbering no more than a dozen. The rest of the workforce consisted of local officials and staff.

Recently, a new group of people arrived to take over their duties. The British administrators withdrew, while the local staff remained temporarily in their positions.

These personnel were all sent by Hardy.

At the same time, the security company assumed control of local law enforcement.

The entire handover process was uneventful. The sight of warships docked at the port and American soldiers patrolling the streets in black uniforms with submachine guns was enough to instill a sense of awe among the locals.

Hardy had previously established a military base in Penang. However, back then, the troops remained within the base, focusing on combating piracy and securing shipping routes, for which they charged transit fees to shipping companies.

Now, these soldiers became the city’s law enforcement officers. This transition was not unfamiliar to them since HD Security had been involved in maintaining urban law and order in the United States, making the task a routine operation. Continue reading on NovelBin.Côm

At first, the locals viewed these American soldiers with a mix of fear and caution, unsure of what to expect.

Gradually, as they realized the soldiers did not interfere with civilian life, their wariness diminished.

The security company had strict regulations prohibiting the harassment of civilians, even stricter than those governing British soldiers.

Of course, the soldiers wages were also higher.

The average salary for general security personnel ranged from $300 to $400 per month, with additional bonuses for special assignments. They also enjoyed free room and board, which were of decent quality. Injuries incurred on duty were fully covered by the company, and insurance compensated for disabilities. Additionally, retirement insurance contributions were made monthly.

This level of remuneration and benefits was considered generous even by contemporary American standards for spcial forces.

For comparison, soldiers involved in the Korean War received a monthly stipend of just over $50.

These individuals faced life-threatening risks on the battlefield.

In contrast, HD Security personnel rarely encountered direct danger, making their work far safer than serving in a warzone. However, any threat to the company they served would also endanger their livelihoods. To safeguard their high-paying jobs—and the lucrative bonuses that came with them—the guards were willing to go to great lengths to protect the interests of HD Security.

Half a month passed. A large cruise ship departed from Japan and sailed to Singapore. Upon arrival, it was escorted by four warships from the Singapore base—one destroyer, one frigate, and two patrol boats—before proceeding to Penang.

It was June in Penang.

Flowers were blooming everywhere.

Tall, round palm trees, towering ten stories high, stood majestically. @@novelbin@@

At the port, tens of thousands of locals gathered, holding flowers in their hands, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new governor.

"Whooo~~!"

The loud whistle of a ship echoed in the distance.

The four warships docked at the port responded with their own whistles.

Eight warships in total.

Even the British military presence in Malaya could not match such formidable strength.

The yacht docked slowly at the port.

Soldiers lined up on either side of the dock, while officials who had arrived earlier waited for Hardy to disembark.

The gangway was lowered.

Hardy descended the ship, met with cheers from the crowd, as cameras and film equipment captured the moment.

At the dock, Hardy delivered a speech.

Previously, his discussions with Ibrahim Ahmad and Abdul Rahim had been private. This time, his declarations were made publicly, and they carried great significance for Penang and Malacca.

"From now on, Penang and Malacca will uphold the principle of equality for all. Everyone will have the right to territorial citizenship."

"The dominion will implement the British legal system, protect private property, preserve ethnic traditions, and ensure freedom of belief."

"English will be the official language, but the learning of Malay, Indian, Chinese, and other languages will not be prohibited. Schools may offer bilingual or even multilingual education."

"Moving forward, Penang and Malacca will vigorously develop the economy. Finance, manufacturing, electronics, processing, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, shipping, and foreign trade will all be key sectors of focus."

"These regions will create numerous job opportunities and welcome immigrants."

"In Penang and Malacca, we will establish branches of wells fargo Bank, HSBC, and Hardy Group. The dominion welcomes investors and settlers. HD Security, the world’s largest security company, will ensure the safety of residents and their property."

"Penang and Malacca will become regions of safety, economic prosperity, abundant job opportunities, and freedom and democracy."

Many were excited by Hardy’s words. No one liked living in war-torn environments where their lives and property were constantly at risk, unable to realize their potential.

A stable political and security environment was essential for economic prosperity.

Some Malay individuals even began considering inviting their relatives and fellow Malay entrepreneurs to immigrate to Penang or Malacca.

The ceremony concluded.

Hardy toured the city in an open car, showered with flower petals by cheering crowds lining the streets.

The day’s events were flawless, culminating in their stay at the finest hotel in Penang.

As Hardy’s governor’s mansion had not yet been built, he temporarily stayed there. Though he wouldn’t reside permanently, a governor’s residence was still necessary.

The handover ceremony ended.

Hardy’s speech was published in Southeast Asian newspapers the next day. Within 24 hours, news of Hardy taking over Penang and Malacca, along with his policies, spread throughout Malaya.

The current situation in Malaya, with its pro-Chinese policies, had left many Malays marginalized, their businesses suppressed, and their lives increasingly difficult.

Seeing the changes in Penang and Malacca, many began contemplating immigration, envisioning a more stable life in these regions.

The following day, Hardy met with local elites and business representatives, including Ibrahim Ahmad and Abdul Rahim, as well as Malay and Indian representatives.

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