IT’S been durian season in my household for the past couple of months. My parents grew durian trees in and outside our compound since we moved here in Bangi back in 1989.

And as you know, if you didn’t know already, durian trees take a while, a long while, to bear fruits. But when they do fruit, it proverbially rains more than it pours.

Our house is located at the end lot of a hillside that is fertile, so we’ve grown – well my parents specifically – plenty of fruit trees on the slope that faces the back of our house and our fairly spacious compound.

During fruiting season, it’s recommended for you to wear a hard hat while walking around the back of our house – it is a legitimate hazard!

Like all pleasures in life, one must indulge in moderation. And of course, because we are human, we often overindulge and suffer the consequences against our best conscious efforts because, well depending on who you ask, of the devil, temptations, lack of self-disciplines, among others.

I’m more inclined to blame our conscious selves rather than the devil when it comes to lay blame or cause to our actions. It’s a faux pas to conveniently blame another of God’s creatures for our own fallible actions. 

One of the characteristics of the humble yet mighty durian is its ability to “overheat” our bodies. So it is highly recommended to drink plenty of water and most importantly (for those who do drink) avoid alcohol since the consequences can be fatal.

Another tip (which you might know already) is to pour and drink water from the fruits’ crevices when its fleshy goodness is tucked into to cool your body down.

I’m not sure if it has been scientifically proven or not but so far, it’s worked for me when I overindulge although it could be a placebo effect https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo#Effects for all I know.

So, we – well, my mother specifically – have also been cooking and making all sorts of condiments and desserts using our own durians. Let’s just say I’m only adept at eating and binging on them – and opening the mighty fruit with a parang.

Being the patriotic Malaysian/Asian I am, I also scorn those who display disgust and hatred toward the king of fruits – especially fellow Malaysians/Asians who dislike the smell of the fruit.

However, my kryptonite is tempoyak – that’s one durian-based condiment which I still have trouble losing myself into for some strange reason. I have a simple recipe for durian ice cream: just leave them in the freezer.

Most are repelled at its smell, therefore more often than not seldom proceed to taste its delightfulness.

Their loss, our gain I say – more durians for us true Asians! How can you not revel and enjoy its awesomeness? Such a crying shame.

Do we have a national fruit? Well, if we don’t, then if I’m ever elected into Parliament, I will propose this motion for sure.

Speaking of Parliament, leading up to the recent (and another) change in our national boss, the term “Durian RM30” was circulating around the digital grapevine with a particular reference to our back-door political deal makings.

Also in the news was the squabbling between durian growers and state authorities in Pahang who felled 15,000 durian trees. What were they thinking?

All this news and symbolism about durians and yet have we ever asked the humble king of fruits itself what it thinks about its public image and discourse?

Well, of course no one’s asked since it’s a fruit and it doesn’t have the capacity to think, let alone converse and partake in critical dialogue. But one thing is for sure, the durian as a fruit and all its wonders and also dangers is a fruit emblematic of the tropic.

The tropics is a tough place to live, unlike what we advertise in tourism ads and how Westerners think Bali is representative of all things Asian (aside from K-pop that is).

Trees and vegetation do not have down time in the tropics unlike in temperate climates where winter is a time for hibernation and biological shutdown to prepare for the blooming or mating season when it gets warm again.

“Warm” is another word we use to describe the tropic. “Warm” also denotes “heat”, something the durian has at its disposal in droves as much as the climate where it flourishes.

“Heat” is also associated with “passion” and boy, aren’t we passionate people in the tropics?

Hence, politics and durians, while seemingly unrelated bedfellows, are really emblematic of how things really are in these regions.

We have many “thorny” issues that seem “controversial” to discuss publicly, so we conveniently sweep it under the carpet until the next time the dust starts to runneth over.

Aside from some poisonous fruits and berries the durian is indeed a dangerous fruit on the outside and within. Its exterior can kill as much as overindulging in it with the wrong vices. 

The durian also teaches us about the importance of patience and investment. You won’t be able to enjoy its load until awhile, but you will be duly rewarded for your dutifulness in a region where all year-round wear and tear is the norm.  

But aside from durian being consumed as a delicacy and a major money maker, have you heard of the Nonthaburi durian? The durian transcends nationalities. It is THE mighty fruit of the tropics.   

Did you know you can also buy durian from Shopee now?

Well, hardly news since the real question should be what CAN’T you buy online nowadays, although I do believe durians are still banned from hotels and airplanes (durian air, anyone?).

I haven’t had to buy a durian from the roadside in a while (aside from maybe the odd Musang King once in several years) but the roadside is indeed the best place to enjoy this thorny, heaty and succulent delight.

That’s why one must take passionately to the road when the politics get thorny, for if you can’t take the heat, then you’re not made for politics. And in Asian politics, there are many temptations that will lead to overindulgences that may kill careers and principles.

Judging by the waistlines of most of our politicians (from both ends of the divide), most haven’t heeded the historical and moral tale of the humble mighty durian. – August 27, 2021.

* Azmyl Yunor is a touring underground recording artiste, and an academic in media and cultural studies. He has published articles on pop culture, subcultures and Malaysian cultural politics. He adheres to the three-chords-and-the-truth school of songwriting, and Woody Guthrie’s maxim “All you can write is what you see”. He is @azmyl on Twitter.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.