Six new Perak executive councillors took their oath of office before Sultan Azlan Shah at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar today.

The exco list consisted of two old and four new faces. The three independents - who left Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Feb 3 - were not on the list.

The four newcomers chosen by the BN Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir were Perak MCA Youth head Dr Mah Hang Soon (Chenderiang assemblyperson), Perak Umno Youth head Zainol Padzi Paharudin (Sungai Manik), Hamidah Osman (Sungai Rapat) and Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid (Kamunting).

The other two were former state executive councillors Ramly Zahari (Manong) and Saarani Mohamad (Kota Tampan).

They signed their letter of appointment witnessed by Ipoh High Court judge Zainal Adzam Abdul Ghani.

The number of state executive councillors announced today was short of the 10 in the previous council led by the ousted Pakatan Rakyat.

No untoward incidents were reported in the vicinity of the palace, which was heavily guarded by police.

Time to work

Speaking to reporters later, Mah said he would study Pakatan's policy of granting freehold land titles to residents of Chinese new villages to see if it could be continued.

"Whatever policies that benefit the people, I will look into them," he said.

"As the sole non-Malay representative, I understand that I have limitations, I expect some problems but I will try my best. I hope everyone will give me some time.

At a press conference to introduce the five new appointees, Mah also urged Pakatan representatives to co-operate and assist in shaping policies that will help the public and resolve economic woes.

"I urge the opposition to calm the situation in Perak and not cause more problems."

Hamidah urged the public to remain calm and gave assurances that the new exco members will perform their duties and not marginalise any community.

"There is no time to celebrate. From now on, we have to plan and win back public confidence."

Asked about her infamous snake remark, Hamidah claimed that she was misquoted.

"I will look after all communities. My words were twisted for political purposes."

Roads sealed off

Earlier, the police had sealed off roads to Istana Iskandariah in anticipation of protests at the swearing-in ceremony. There were rumours that 12 buses carrying Pakatan supporters were on the way.

Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel were placed near the main roundabout in Kuala Kangsar, at the road leading to the palace.

Police personnel were also placed at every junction from the North-South Highway exit at Kuala Kangsar to the royal town.

perak bn takeover protest mosque tear gas attack incident kuala kangsar rally 060209 11 Last Friday, a large group of protesters numbering about 1,000 had staged a demonstration and blocked the road leading to the palace, during the swearing-i n ceremony of new Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir.

Nine people were arrested in the aftermath of the protest. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters.

Today, however, eyewitnesses said that the situation in Kuala Kangsar has been peaceful, with no protesters in sight.

Only vehicles with special stickers are being allowed into the road leading to the palace.