The hullabaloo in Putrajaya this morning failed to seep through to the sleepy streets of Ipoh town, where life went on regardless of the landmark legal battle to decide the rightful menteri besar (MB) of Perak.

NONE The state secretariat building, which has been the battleground for the warring MBs and their supporters, looked almost abandoned. There were no police or party supporters in sight.

The only commotion to break the monotony came from the quick footsteps of journalists trying to find some shelter from the blazing sun.

The DAP state headquarters was manned by just one person.

V Sivakumar Ousted Pakatan speaker V Sivakumar made a 10-minute pit-stop at the office before rushing off to his constituency of Tronoh for a prior commitment.

At the PAS office, there were several Unit Amal members and supporters, but they claimed to have no knowledge of the buses that were to ferry supporters to Putrajaya.

The sentiment on the ground was lukewarm at best, with most people less than willing to speak their mind.

Undertows amidst calm waters

However, all is not truly calm beneath the ripple-free surface of the Ipoh town waters. From amongst the streams of comments from those few that do open their mouths, two noticeable undercurrents can be seen to emerge.

On the one hand are those seething with helpless rage at the decision which they believe is unfair. A veritable whirlpool of hidden fury.

NONE While they accept the decision for what it is, something that they cannot yet change, they warned that the decision goes against the will of the people.

Zambry ( right ) may be MB by virtue of the courts and the sultan's hand, but the rakyat, they said, are the ones who should have been given the right to decide.

Their trump card is the next general elections for which they have promised to repay this 'debt' of injustice incurred upon them by the powers that be.

On the other hand are those who conceded that Zambry is their MB, either because they support him or because they see no other choice if they want to avoid further turmoil.

However, even amongst those who acceded to the ruling, they warn Zambry that with this affirmation of his post of MB, he should perform the duties of his office.

Do a good job, they cautioned, or he may face their ire, and come next general elections, he shall be at the mercy of their vote casting powers.

Norasmah, 35, store owner

'Has the result come out? I have not yet seen it. But it does not really matter who rules over us. What's important is that we can work - look for money.

What is more important is that our country is peaceful and there is no unrest. If there is trouble, we cannot conduct our business.'

Jui, 31, office worker

'We just accept the decision. But Pakatan Rakyat have to plan something; they must do something.

Because we think that the powers that be, they have done something wrong.

This may effect the next elections, maybe it will have a small effect. But we have to wait and see, this is politics, sometimes it is okay, sometimes it is not.

Pakatan has (a) point, so does BN. But in the end, it is about the right of the rakyat. People power.'

Abu Bakar Mat Jan, 55, self-employed

'For me, it is fitting that Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir holds the post of MB.

Because during his time as MB we (were) happy with the way he did his job.'

Balajit Singh, 48, credit recovery officer

'I say, if he is to become MB, I think that he should do the MB's job.

Just look around here in Ipoh Town, you know it's very dirty. He (should ) do some ground work where the DBI (Ipoh city council) is concerned.

The other day he went down to Chemor (to) have a look around at the stalls there. I think that he should come here as well.

So far I think that he (Zambry) is doing a good job.He is going to the ground, not like the other MBs.

Please have more factories in Ipoh. I have been jobless for the past two months. And the pay rates here are very bad.

Bring in more industries, more factories. Unemployment is a concern here.'

Andy, 50, coffee shop owner

'On the court decision, we the people cannot say if it is correct or not. However, if we see it from the people's mandate, it was already decided earlier that Pakatan should rule in Perak.

Saying that you can simply change the government after three people jump over is not reasonable. because if you going against the people's mandate.

The people hoped that by changing the government and electing Pakatan to lead, they can have a better living. But the BN seized power before their tenure ended and many people disagree with this.

Even if Zambry win the case, people will think that maybe it is because the federal government's influence... with their huge power... you should understand what I'm trying to say.

But this may backfire on BN. Why? Because the people want to see how Pakatan rule the state. Why don't BN just let them finish one term. If they don't perform, We will definitely give the power back to BN.

But by taking the state over by force, even if BN claim that they are doing good, the BN is trampling all over the people's mandate. And the people will demand an answer.'

Loke Kam Yun, 34, businessperson

'(The decision) is not reasonable, because (it) should give the power back to the people, the menteri besar must be elected by us, the decision lies in our hands, hence i think this is not fair.

I will vote the opposition in next general election, because no matter whats, we should be democratic, if you do it by force, we don't accept it.

The people will remember, because the media will publish it and remind us. (Being forgetful) is the problem of the last generation, our generation have Internet, we have YouTube, we can review what had happened, we can review them on the Internet.'

Chong, 55, retired

'Although Zambry was not elected through election, Malaysia practices rule of law, the people should accept the decision.

The decision will end the uncertainty over the past one year and stabilise the state as the political imbroglio which had jeopardised the state's economy and scare away investors, has ended.

No need for fresh elections. Just accept the decision of the court and move on from here.'