Dexter Lau
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 14): Datuk Dexter Lau, Executive Director of Gardenia Bakeries (East Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad, once again issued a stern reminder to political leaders, urging them to demonstrate a higher level of political maturity before making any public remarks, and to carefully consider the emotional and social impact their words may cause.
He stressed that the people of Sabah are not casual talking points for politicians, nor should they ever be the target of flippant or dismissive comments. Sabahans are dignified, wise and capable of independent judgment. Any form of belittling or demeaning statements —intentional or otherwise — is completely unacceptable.
Recently, Kedah State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Mansor Zakaria said in the state assembly that “giving Gardenia bread is enough to win the support of Sabahans,” a statement that drew nationwide criticism and deeply hurt Sabahans’ feelings.
Lau hopes Mansor’s intention was merely to highlight East Malaysians’ fondness for Gardenia bread, to convey friendliness in a light-hearted way, or to remind fellow candidates to “eat well and stay healthy” during the intense election campaign period.
“If that was indeed his intention, we can understand.”
However, he strongly stressed, “but if there was any element of belittlement or condescension behind such remarks, then no amount of apology can fully heal the collective emotional hurt felt by Sabahans. Sabahans are not objects of jokes, nor metaphors to be misused.”
Regarding Mansor’s subsequent public apology, he acknowledged that taking responsibility for one’s mistakes is commendable. Nonetheless, he emphasized that leaders must understand that a single sentence can heal — but it can also harm.
“The duty of leaders is to promote respect and unity, not to create misunderstanding, prejudice or emotional backlash. Political maturity is not merely an attitude; it is a responsibility one must uphold.”
Also the president of the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (Sabah Branch) and chairman of the National MCCC Business Sector Committee, Lau stressed that ministers, Members of Parliament, state assemblymen or any public figure represent the people, and their words are not mere jokes but statements with real weight and influence. Any reckless remark can distort public opinion and disrupt social harmony.
“Any remark that belittles, stereotypes or degrades Sabahans — whether framed as a joke, metaphor or slip of the tongue — must be treated seriously. Sabahans deserve respect and should not be labeled or casually defined.”
He urged national leaders to treat this incident as a lesson, making respect the bottom line of political culture and understanding the foundation of public discourse.
“Whether in West Malaysia or East Malaysia, only relationships built on mutual respect and equal dialogue can truly move the nation forward.”
“Sabahans deserve the utmost sincerity and respect. Any form of belittlement will never be tolerated!”
Mansor has apologised after realising his remarks had caused offence.
“I apologise for my remarks yesterday and I withdraw them… with sincere intent, I retract what I said if it offended the people of Sabah,” he stated.
Mansor clarified that he had no intention of insulting anyone and asked for his apology to be accepted.
“When I thought about it again, I realised I had no intention of insulting the people of Sabah. We were debating what was said in Sabah about Kedah. We were drawing comparisons … so I do not want to prolong this issue,” he explained at the state assembly.
The apology was shared in a video posted on Facebook by PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who praised Mansor for his willingness to admit and correct his mistake.
Mansor’s initial comments, which were captured in a viral video, had sparked a strong backlash on social media, with many accusing him of disrespecting Sabahans.
Meanwhile, STAR Karambunai Division chief Datuk Kapitan Stephen Teo has strongly condemned the remark made by Mansor.
Stephen who is also the party’s candidate for the Karambunai state constituency, said the remark was not only inappropriate but also amounted to an insult towards the people of Sabah as well as PAS members in the state.
“We received many sarcastic reactions from the Karambunai community. Many have expressed that the remark reflects a very low level of thinking coming from a PAS leader. It does not only belittle Sabahans, but it also undermines his own party supporters in Sabah,” he said.
Stephen made the remarks after a meeting with residents of Kg Suang Parai last night, during which the issue was raised by locals who were clearly offended by the statement.
“Residents expressed disappointment and anger. To them, such remarks show that there are still leaders from the Peninsula who look down on Sabah. If this is the standard of leadership from PAS or any party from Malaya, then the people have every reason to reject these parties in Sabah,” he stressed.
Stephen reaffirmed that STAR will continue to be the frontline defender of the dignity, rights and voice of the people of Sabah against any statements that belittle Sabah.