Malaysia’s famously pungent durian was a highlight at a gala dinner for Southeast Asian economic ministers this week, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim describing the divisive fruit as a symbol of regional unity.
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“Some of you are not yet familiar with durian, but I would strongly suggest that you try it,” Anwar told attendees of the 57th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting gala in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening, as quoted by Bernama.
“It is like blue cheese – you either like it or you hate it.”
Served alongside a buffet of regional favourites such as nasi lemak, gado-gado and pad thai, the durian – widely known in Malaysia as the “king of fruits” – was presented both as a dessert and a symbol of Asean culture by this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Anwar described the thorny fruit as a test of Malaysia’s resolve to bring Asean diplomacy onto the global stage and boost regional unity.
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“Malaysia remains committed to ensuring that growth is inclusive, that no member state is left behind, and that the dividends of integration are equitably shared,” he added.
