Image source: Facebook
A Kedah PAS assemblyman has issued an apology for his “Gardenia bread” remark about Sabahans ahead of the state elections, after the comment drew widespread criticism for being disrespectful and insensitive.
Mansor Zakaria, who also serves as the state executive councillor (Exco) for Housing, Health and Local Government, had implied during a state assembly sitting on Wednesday that gaining support from Sabahans was “as simple as giving them Gardenia bread,” referring to campaigning tactics used during the Sabah state election.
Mansor said he decided to apologise after realising that his remarks had offended many in Sabah.
“I apologise for what I said yesterday and I withdraw my statement… I sincerely retract it if it offended the people of Sabah,” he said.
He stressed that he had never intended to insult anyone and hoped that his apology would be accepted.
“Upon reflecting on it, I realised I had no intention of belittling the people of Sabah. We were debating comments made in Sabah about Kedah and drawing comparisons… I don’t wish to prolong this matter,” he told the state assembly.
Praised for taking accountability
A video of Mansor’s apology was shared on Facebook by PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who praised him for taking responsibility, saying that “only a bigger person is willing to admit and correct their mistakes – unlike others who continue to lie.”
Mansor’s original remarks had earlier gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of backlash from users who accused him of insulting Sabahans.
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