The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

Chapter 355 The storm (2)

Liu Xiao invited Governor Tun Abdul Razak to sit down. His expression remained calm, as if everything was under control. After a brief chat with the Governor, Liu Xiao went straight to the point and asked, "Governor, you must have something important to discuss with me, right?"

Governor Tun Abdul Razak was taken aback by Liu Xiao's directness, but he also understood that Liu Xiao was a clever man who didn't need to mince words. So, he replied frankly, "General Liu has made remarkable contributions in the war against Japan. The Chinese have been deprived of your position for such trivial matters. This is a great loss for them. However, for the Chinese in Malay society, this is a blessing. I doubt General Liu would mind this incongruous position in the Home Guard, which the British have bestowed upon him."

After hearing this, Liu Xiao deliberately showed a surprised expression and asked: "Although the Governor is a native Malay, you seem to have other plans at the moment? Do you want to..." He did not finish his words, but the meaning was self-evident.

Governor Tun Abdul Razak smiled faintly and did not avoid Liu Xiao's question. He said, "Given the current situation, the independence of each ethnic group is an inevitable trend. I believe that the British will let go sooner or later and allow Malay independence. However, there are many options for Malay independence. In London, some MPs have proposed the establishment of a pan-British Commonwealth system, just like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where the nominal head of state is the British King, but they have actually broken away from the British Empire. However, the situation in Malaysia is very special. The Malays are Muslims, which is completely different from the Christian faith in the UK. It may be difficult to get the people to accept the British King as the head of state. Moreover, although you Chinese have different beliefs, you also have your own ideas and demands."

Liu Xiao had to admit that Governor Abdul Razak's analysis did have some merit. Furthermore, he was well aware that the purpose of Abdul Razak's visit was far from simple. But at least, he had conveyed a clear message: the Malays wanted to work hand in hand with the Chinese to jointly promote Malaysian independence.

Liu Xiao secretly calculated that he had actually received Qin Shi's instructions. On the one hand, he had to show loyalty to the British to stabilize the situation; on the other hand, he was already secretly formulating plans for Malaysia's independence. The most important point was to ensure that Singapore was independent from Malaysia; this was his bottom line.

He thought for a moment, then stopped hiding anything. He spoke frankly, "Mr. Governor, the future of Malaysia will definitely be decided by the Malays, Chinese, and others living here. We've also heard from other sources that the British will agree to Malaysia's independence. The South China Autonomous Region in East Malaysia will hold a referendum on independence next year. I believe that South China's independence will be the best opportunity to resolve the Malaysian issue. I wonder what your plans are, Mr. Governor?"

After listening to this, Tun Abdul Razak nodded and said, "General Liu, in fact, we Malays have established several political parties. I won't hide it from you, I have also joined one of them. The Malay parties have been negotiating these days. In order to avoid future internal conflicts in the country, we want to establish an independent country dominated by Malays." Tun Abdul Razak stopped here and looked at Liu Xiao calmly.

Liu Xiao was well aware that Tun Abdul Razak had brought the topic to him, hoping he would take the initiative to propose his terms. Liu Xiao was clearly unwilling to disclose his bottom line, so he feigned a request, picking up the teacup on the table and savoring it.

Tun Abdul Razak saw that Liu Xiao was unmoved, but he was clear in his mind. He could tell from Liu Xiao's performance that the Chinese represented by Liu Xiao must have made plans.

A brief silence fell between the two, neither speaking to the other, but simply sipping their tea. After a moment of silence, Liu Xiao calmly asked, "Tun Abdul Razak, we have no objection to Malaysia establishing its own Malay state. However, we Chinese have been here since the Ming Dynasty. You can't just drive us away, right?"

Tun Abdul Razak was waiting for Liu Xiao and the others to make their request. He slowly put down his teacup and said calmly, "General Liu, the interests of the Chinese must of course be taken into account. After all, in Malaysia, the Chinese community already accounts for 33%, making them the second largest ethnic group. Although Nan Hua will be independent from East Malaysia, there are still many ethnic Chinese in West Malaysia, including many of mixed Malay and Chinese descent. These issues require consultation between our two ethnic groups."

Liu Xiao smiled and took over the conversation, saying, "When Malaysia becomes independent, it's natural for the Malays to establish an independent nation. We, the Chinese, hope to establish our own autonomous governments in some of the Chinese-populated areas in West Malaysia. I wonder what Mr. Tun Abdul Razak thinks of this?"

Tun Abdul Razak nodded slightly, looked at Liu Xiao with a firm gaze, and said directly, "The Chinese concentration areas are mainly in Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The three places are quite far apart, so it is not suitable to establish a unified autonomous government. I wonder if the Chinese in Penang can be concentrated in Malacca and Singapore? In this way, together with the nearby suburbs, an autonomous government dominated by the Chinese can achieve more effective management."

Liu Xiao smiled, pondering inwardly. He knew this was a complex issue. He responded, "I generally agree with your proposal, sir. However, whether Chinese or Malay, I'm afraid it would be hard for them to suddenly leave the place where they've lived for generations."

Tun Abdul Razak then continued, "This matter can be resolved through negotiation. For example, we can consider providing compensation as appropriate and purchasing their fixed assets at market value. For those who truly do not want to leave, we can also provide assistance to help them integrate into the new social system. Of course, when it comes to protecting the people, we must commit to treating them equally as citizens and ensure that everyone's rights are protected."

After hearing this, Liu Xiao's opinion of Tun Abdul Razak changed somewhat. He realized that the Malays seemed to understand the current situation and that a peaceful separation might truly be the best outcome. He smiled in agreement and expressed his willingness to further discuss the specific details and plans with Tun Abdul Razak.

In the subsequent discussions, both sides conducted in-depth discussions on compensation standards, relocation arrangements, and the construction of a new social system. They both hoped to find a solution that would meet the needs of the Chinese while safeguarding the interests of the Malays.

As time passed, the atmosphere in the conference room gradually warmed. Liu Xiao and Tun Abdul Razak both demonstrated sincerity and cooperation, believing that through joint efforts, they would be able to find a mutually satisfactory outcome. For those Chinese facing the prospect of change, they too contemplated their future, looking forward to continuing their development and lives in their new environment.