It came as no surprise that a proposal by Sarawak DAP
leader Sim Kwang Yang to hold
roundtable talks did not receive much
enthusiasm.
Sim had appealed to leaders of the
fractious opposition party to observe a
five-day ceasefire, saying emotions must cool down to discuss
reconciliation.
A peaceful end to the problem affecting the party was necessary to face the general election with a united front, he said.
The former Bandar Kuching MP has good
reason to be worried. The DAP has made
it into the front pages of newspapers
for the wrong reasons.
The ruckus in the party has been a case
of durian runtuh or windfall for the
party's political nemesis.
Durian-eating, as most Malaysians will testify, is more than just a ritual. It's a passion.
There's no colour discrimination
whether white or yellow, all is
accepted. The rules are simple and
the event certainly sounds better
than any table talk.
Over the years, the Dewan Rakyat has made it a practice to hold durian parties for Members of
Parliament.
Unlike other countries, where so called honourable members throw punches at each other, our politicians are a
more mature lot.
During such durian parties, it is common
to see government backbenchers and opposition MPs nodding in agreement and
putting their fingers into the right
places.
The Malaysian press, which has come
under fire from Opposition Leader Lim
Kit Siang, would like to see him and
self-declared independent MP Liew Ah Kim sitting together savouring a D24
durian.
Singaporean politicians should perhaps
join in at durian parties.
They used to travel to Johor to meet
their Malaysian counterparts for such
informal functions. No longer, it
seems.
They shouldn't put on airs. A durian feast where the air is thick with the fruit's pungent smell will certainly take that away.
Malaysian ports and the KL International Airport may not be attractive enough
for Singapore's leaders but our durians
are a sure magnet. As for the KTM land
controversy in Singapore, a durian feast
could put things back on track.
Foreign Ministry senior officials from
both sides should seriously consider
this diplomatic mechanism of negotiation.
There shouldn't be any udang di sebalik
batu (suspicion) if the only common
interest is the “red prawn'' durian variety.
Last week, Deputy Transport Minister
Datuk Wira Ali Rustam threw a durian
party for the press, the first for the
press this year since the start of the
durian season.
Another durian king must be Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk
Seri Megat Junid Megat Ayob who has
hosted such gatherings for years.
It will be good if mat sallehs of the
foreign media here are invited to such
Malaysian get-togethers. Beside having a
chance to get to know local politicians
and reporters better, they may learn to really
appreciate the country.
Sometimes, a sticky affair can be
positive, just ask those who have
been to durian parties.
The fact that the King of Fruits is only
available in this region makes it even
more unique. Those Asean diplomats,
meeting in Manila now, who cannot agree
on the question of intervention should
immediately hold a durian feast.
A durian party makes a lot of sense. It
doesn't matter if it leaves a bitter
taste. It's acceptable, even welcomed,
as durian enthusiasts will tell
you.
It may even help prick one's conscience.
