'Colonial mentality': Bung chides PAS leader over Gardenia jibe

SABAH POLLS | Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin has criticised Kedah state executive councillor Mansor Zakaria for suggesting that campaigning in Sabah simply involves “giving Gardenia bread”.

Describing it as condescending, the Kinabatangan MP said the PAS leader’s remark reflected “a colonial political mentality” and was insulting to Sabah voters.

“This kind of sarcasm shows there are still leaders trapped in a colonial political mentality, the kind that believes Sabahans can be persuaded with a piece of bread.

“This is an insult to the voters’ common sense and the dignity of the people of this state,” Bung said in Kota Kinabalu today.

“If Sabahans really like Gardenia, he (Mansor) should be saying thank you, not mocking us,” he added.

The veteran politician pointed out that the product generates hundreds of millions of ringgit in revenue each year, with a large share of that revenue coming from Sabah consumers.

“If Gardenia is rich, Sabahans are among those who contribute. That is a fact,” Bung said.

‘No substance, vision’

Bung argued that Mansor’s remark reflected poorly on his own political approach.

“Sabahans are always steady. You want to mock our tastes? Go ahead.

“But when that mockery comes from an assemblyperson, it only proves that your campaign has no substance, no vision, and worst of all, no respect,” he said.

Bung added that Sabah’s election campaign would continue to focus on track record, integrity, and long-term development rather than gifts or handouts.

“We do not evaluate candidates based on bread, coffee, or hampers.

“In Sabah, we do not swallow flattery, but neither do we swallow insults,” he said.

Mansor apologises

Yesterday, Mansor retracted his remark during a subsequent session of the Kedah state assembly.

“I apologise for what I said, and I withdraw it. I had no intention of insulting anyone, including the people of Sabah.

“When I thought about it again, I realised I did not intend to offend them. I do not want to prolong this issue,” he added.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden later welcomed the apology, saying “only a bigger person is willing to admit and correct their mistakes”.

Mansor’s remarks also drew brickbats from PAS’ allies, with Sabah Perikatan Nasional chief Ronald Kiandee describing the remark as “palui” (foolish).

“Gardenia bread exco. Palui. Embarrassing yourself,” he said.

Sabah PAS leader Aliakbar Gulasan said it was wrong to insinuate that Sabahans could be easily influenced.

“Sabahans cannot be bribed. Sabahans have dignity. Sabahans have values,” he said in a video.

Verdon Bahanda, head of the Blackwave independent lawmakers coalition, called the PAS leader’s comment “extremely insulting”.

“If this is the mentality of leaders from that party, then please, keep them far away from Sabah.

“Do not give them even a single vote,” he said.

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