Sabahans angered after PAS lawmaker’s ‘Gardenia’ comment
A KEDAH PAS assemblyman has ignited widespread anger after suggesting that voters in Sabah could be swayed with “just Gardenia bread”, a remark Malaysians across both regions have condemned as insulting and demeaning.
The comment, made by Kuala Ketil assemblyman Mansor Zakaria during a Kedah State Assembly sitting, implied that winning over Sabahans was as simple as handing out bread — a statement many say reduced East Malaysians to low standards while belittling their political awareness.
Mansor has since apologised, but the backlash continues to intensify as the Sabah state election campaign heats up.
Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar blasted the remark as “not just rude, but a clear signal PAS thinks Sabahans are easily fooled.”
He added that the uproar which followed prompted Perikatan Nasional (PN) Sabah leaders to “panic and scold PAS”, not out of principle but out of fear that voters would abandon them during the polls.
“If PAS and PN treat Sabah like schoolchildren who can be coaxed with bread, the best answer Sabahans can give is: ‘Keep your roti. We give our votes elsewhere’,” he said.
On PN’s side, Karambunai candidate Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan urged calm but firmly rejected the stereotype.
In a video statement, he said Sabahans “cannot be bought with Gardenia bread, money or property”, stressing that the people of Sabah are dignified and not for sale.
“Orang Sabah bukan orang yang murah,” he declared.
The controversy has added an unexpected flashpoint to the already competitive campaign, with many Sabahans calling for greater respect from leaders in Peninsular Malaysia as the state heads into its 17th election. — Nov 15, 2025
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