KOTA KINABALU: Gardenia Bakeries (East Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Executive Director Datuk Dexter Lau (
pic) has urged political leaders to show greater maturity when speaking in public and to consider the emotional impact their words may have on communities.
He said Sabahans should never be reduced to casual talking points and described them as dignified people capable of making fair and independent judgments.
His comments came after Kedah state executive councillor Mansor Zakaria told the state assembly that giving Gardenia bread was enough to win the support of Sabahans, a remark that sparked widespread criticism.
Lau said he hoped Mansor’s intention was simply to acknowledge East Malaysians’ fondness for the brand or to offer light-hearted encouragement during an intense election period.
He added that if any part of the remark carried a tone of belittlement, no apology could fully undo the hurt felt by Sabahans who refuse to be treated as jokes or metaphors.
Lau acknowledged Mansor’s subsequent apology but reminded leaders that their words carry weight and can either heal or harm the public mood.
He urged leaders nationwide to treat the incident as a lesson in respect, saying relationships built on equal dialogue are essential for unity and national progress.
