Bread for votes? Malaysian lawmaker under fire for ‘Gardenia’ remark
A Malaysian lawmaker’s comment suggesting Sabahans could be won over with loaves of Gardenia bread has triggered outrage ahead of the November 29 state election.
Kedah assemblyman Mansor Zakaria told his state legislature on November 12 that securing support in Sabah was simple: “Just give them Gardenia bread.”
The remark spread rapidly online and was met with widespread anger.
For many Sabahans, the comment reinforced perceptions that West Malaysian politicians view East Malaysians as unsophisticated and easily drawn in by handouts.
While travellers frequently carry Gardenia loaves home from Kuala Lumpur, viewing the brand as superior to local bread, many say the issue now goes far beyond food.
What began as a throwaway line about bread has become a symbol of calls for respect.
The episode has also sparked conversation about long-standing grievances on autonomy, resource control and federal oversight dating back to Sabah’s entry into Malaysia in 1963.
Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Bung Moktar Radin condemned the remark as insulting and divisive, calling on voters to reject parties that “cause inter-state racial disunity”.
He described the episode as “deeply embarrassing” and “unforgivable”.
Mansor has apologised, but the backlash threatens to undermine Perikatan Nasional’s campaign. The coalition is contesting 42 of the state’s 73 seats, with six of these being contested by PAS.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
