You can’t butter up Sabahans with Gardenia, says PN’s Aliakbar
"Sabahans make decisions based on intellect and sound judgment. My friends, vote for PN."
KOTA KINABALU – Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Karambunai state seat, Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan, stressed that Sabahans cannot be easily swayed with Gardenia bread or cash handouts.
In a video posted on his social media, Aliakbar responded to a viral remark made by a Peninsular assemblyman who allegedly claimed that campaigning in Sabah was as simple as distributing Gardenia bread.
“My message is this: Sabahans cannot be bribed. They are not for sale. Sabahans are not cheap.
“Sabahans are people of dignity. Not just Gardenia bread, even wealth or money cannot buy the people of Sabah,” he said in the video.
He added that Sabahans today are far more discerning and possess self-respect when making their voting decisions in the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
“Sabahans are smarter now, they have dignity and values. Sabahans make decisions based on intellect and sound judgment. My friends, vote for PN,” he said.
His remarks came after Kedah Exco Mansor Zakaria issued an apology for comments he made during a state assembly sitting that were perceived as belittling Sabahans during the election campaign.
A video of his speech suggested that gaining the favour of Sabah voters was as easy as giving out Gardenia bread, a comment that drew backlash for being dismissive and insensitive.
The reference stemmed from a long-standing practice among Sabahans and Sarawakians who often bring Gardenia bread home as gifts after travelling to Peninsular Malaysia.
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