While the opposition led by ousted mentri besar, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, have grudgingly agreed to work with Zambry and his team, it still remains to be seen if today’s assembly will proceed without incident.

In the days leading up to the assembly, former Pakatan Rakyat-appointed Speaker V. Sivakumar hinted that there may be another tumultuous sitting, much like the May 7 one last year.

The opposition, despite recognising Zambry as the mentri besar, have continued to insist that BN-appointed Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan is not the state’s legal Speaker.

As such, Sivakumar insisted on sending out notices of his own for the assembly.

Last Friday, in a press conference, Nizar called on Ganesan to hold the assembly for a full five days so that all their questions can be raised.

He had also called on Zambry and Ganesan to attend a pre-assembly meeting at the Ipoh Town Hall yesterday but, as expected, the duo did not turn up.

However, The Malaysian Insider understands that the PR plans to play nice this time and when Sivakumar arrived for a pre-assembly briefing at the Perak DAP headquarters outside the State Secretariat, he was not garbed in the Speaker’s ceremonial robes.

When asked why, Sivakumar smiled and replied, “You know lah.”

Prior to the assembly, police trucks began assembling outside the State Secretariat building, in anticipation of chaos beyond the gates.

They have also set up roadblocks at all entrances into the building, allowing in only those who have official business to attend to.

For now, however, peace reigns in the otherwise quiet city of Ipoh.

Unlike before, the crowds have chosen to stay away from the fray.