Quiet start to Perak assembly sitting

The Perak legislative assembly convened without drama this morning, signalling a reprieve from the year-long political crisis which had gripped the state.

Ousted Pakatan Rakyat menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is in the Opposition Leader’s seat, while ousted speaker V Sivakumar  is in his allocated seat, wearing the ceremonial outfit instead of the speaker’s robes.

Before the Regent Raja Nazrin Shah delivered the royal address, a lively exchange took place in the House between Pakatan and Barisan Nasional state assemblypersons.

Reporters were unable to hear what ensued, as they were not allowed into the chamber.

However, Pakatan assemblypersons were seen gesturing at the upper floor, in apparent protest.

Pantai Remis assemblyperson Nga Kor Ming, in a text-message, said this was because Pakatan and media representatives had been made to enter the chamber by a separate door.

They were also subjected to a security check, unlike the BN assemblypersons.

Nga said they protested their treatment to the BN representatives, adding: "It is shameful."

Journalists have been confined to viewing rooms above the chamber and have to follow the proceedings via speakers. Not everything can be heard.

Eight men dressed in sky-blue outfits were initially stationed next to
state assembly secretary's chair.

A few Pakatan representatives shooed away two security personnel standing near their bench, but were unable to do the same with the men in blue.

The proceedings began with the royal address, which did not make any reference to the Perak crisis.

Speaker V Ganesan then adjourned proceedings to 10am tomorrow.

Pakatan and BN representatives appeared to have laid down arms and were seen talking to one another in a friendly manner.

Nizar walked up to Ganesan. After a chat punctuated with laughs, they shook hands. Nizar then playfully hit Ganesan's arm with a file, smiled and walked away.

The scene was a far cry from the previous sitting last October, which was marked by chaos.

This morning, the police were on standby and security was tight. But the road in front of the state secretariat building - where the state assembly is located - remained open.