Double Vision or Diplopia is commonly caused by the misalignment of the two eyes due to functional problems in the visual system.

But the people of Perak need not have to worry if they think they are seeing ‘double’ today - they are not suffering from Diplopia or inflicted with any eye infection. For indeed, there are really two MBs at work in their state today.

Considering that today is also a weekend and a Saturday, Perakians should truly count their lucky stars that they have two hard-working chief executives busy looking after state affairs.

This is about the only silver lining in a rather messy week for the silver state which has been plagued with political filth and dirt not seen for quite a while in this country.

But when reality sets in, Diplopia can be a much easier condition to overcome than the sufferings, frustration and misery caused by unprincipled and self-serving politicians.

No end in sight

What is truly sad is that there appears to be no end in sight for Perak's political crisis as the two menteris besar got on with their respective duties today.

nizar special exco meeting 070209 exco members After a tumultuous two-week of uncertainties, ousted Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin chaired a 'special exco’ meeting at his official residence.

Across town, newly appointed Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abd Kadir made his first public appearance as state’s chief executive by attending Gerakan's Chinese New Year function in Kampung Simee.

Both individuals are set for a collision course as they are expected to show up for work after an extended weekend holiday on Tuesday.

"Usually I arrive early. We'll be having a race to see who reaches (the menteri besar's office) first," Nizar said in jest during a press conference at his official residence today.

nizar special exco meeting 070209 nizar Yesterday, Nizar was dramatically shown out of the state secretariat building by State Secretary Abdul Rahman Hashim and Ipoh police chief Azisman Alias.

Despite not being in his usual office, Nizar's 'special exco’ meeting proceeded well. He was also dressed for official duty - in a well pressed suit complete with a striped tie bearing the three colours of the Perak flag.

Nizar contends that he is still the legitimate menteri besar and was merely carrying out his duties in chairing the meeting and approving four policy decisions, including a decision to allow budget carrier Firefly to fly from Ipoh to Singapore.

He said that his excos would be notifying the respective government departments soon and was confident that government officers would carry out the directives.

Normally, state exco meetings chaired by Nizar last between four to eight hours. Today's meeting, which started at 11.30pm, ended two hours later, sans the three ex officio members which include the state secretary.

Sultan's absolute right

Meanwhile, Zambry didn't have it easy today during his maiden press conference as he repeatedly had to fend of questions by reporters on the legitimacy of his appointment.

zamry pc at gerakan kampung simmeezamry 070209 02 "The sultan is no ordinary sultan. He is the former Lord President. Therefore, any decision he makes definitely is in accordance with the law".

On ousted Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar's statement that the new menteri besar is "haram" (unconstitutional), Zambry responded, "Does he (Nizar) think that he is constitutional?"..

"It is the sultan's privilege and absolute power to appoint anybody he deemed fit to be the MB of Perak. He (Nizar) should, by convention, know who was supposed to be MB (then), but the sultan decided to appoint him," he said.

There was disagreement among components of Pakatan Rakyat on who should become the mentri besar of Perak soon after the March 8 general election. Eventually, they settled for the Perak Sultan's decision to appoint Nizar as MB.

Furthermore, Zambry said he will abide by the sultan's request if the sultan were to ask him to vacate the MB's post "because the sultan has the absolute right".

On the racial imbalance in the Barisan line-up, Zambry said he would "definitely" safeguard the interest of all three main racial groups.

zamry pc at gerakan kampung simmeezamry 070209 03 On the MB's residence which has not been vacated by Nizar, Zambry said that is a secondary issue.

"He can take his time to vacate the MB's residence. I don't mind, I can operate from my house," he said.

'I am menteri besar for all'

Earlier in his speech at the Chinese New Year event, Zambry proclaimed gallantly that “I am the menteri besar for all ethnic groups in Perak."

He stressed that Perak belongs to all Perak people and not to any particular group or party.

"Zambry is here to serve all Perak people, including the opposition parties," he said. "I will ensure that there is fairness to everyone in the state."

He mentioned that he will look into the lack of Indian representatives in Barisan Nasional, as he "doesn't want any particular community to feel left out".

perak bn takeover protest mosque tear gas attack incident kuala kangsar rally 060209 25 When asked about the policy to give freehold title to Chinese New Villages, Zambry was quoted in a Star report as saying, "Wait first, I haven't even been to the office yet."

The Pangkor representative was sworn in yesterday by the Sultan of Perak as the new menteri besar amid a protest near the palace.

On the demonstration near Istana Iskandariah yesterday, Zambry commented that street protests do not resolve problems but consultation, legal means and the process of the law, will.

"We should not fight on the streets because that is not our way. But I am confident that the majority of the people want peace," he added.

Mkini video: Business as usual for ousted Exco