Dexter Lau
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Dexter Lau, Executive Director of Gardenia Bakeries (East Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad, has issued a firm reminder to political leaders to exercise greater political maturity before making public statements, and to consider the emotional and social impact their words may carry.
He said Sabahans are not casual talking points nor should they ever be the target of flippant or dismissive remarks. Sabahans, he stressed, are dignified, wise and capable of independent judgment — and any form of belittling or demeaning comments, intentional or otherwise, is unacceptable.
This came after 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 remark that drew nationwide criticism and hurt the feelings of Sabahans.
Lau said he hoped Mansor’s intention was simply to highlight East Malaysians’ fondness for Gardenia bread, express friendliness in a light-hearted way, or remind fellow candidates to “eat well and stay healthy” during the intense election campaign.
“If that was indeed his intention, we can understand,” he said.
However, he stressed that if there was any element of belittlement or condescension behind the remark, then no apology could fully heal the emotional hurt felt collectively by Sabahans. “Sabahans are not objects of jokes, nor metaphors to be misused.”
On Mansor’s subsequent public apology, Lau said taking responsibility is commendable, but leaders must understand that a single sentence can heal — or harm.
“The duty of leaders is to promote respect and unity, not create misunderstanding, prejudice or emotional backlash. Political maturity is not just an attitude; it is a responsibility,” he said.
Lau, who is also President of the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (Sabah Branch) and Chairman of the National MCCC Business Sector Committee, said ministers, Members of Parliament, assemblymen and public figures represent the people, and their words carry real weight and influence. Any reckless remark, he added, 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 taken seriously. Sabahans deserve respect and should not be casually defined.”
He urged national leaders to treat this incident as a lesson, with respect as the foundation of political culture and understanding as the basis of public discourse.
“Whether in West Malaysia or East Malaysia, only relationships built on mutual respect and equal dialogue can move the nation forward.
“Sabahans deserve the utmost sincerity and respect. Any form of belittlement will never be tolerated.”
