LKY tributes gone wrong: BreadTalk cops flak for LKY-themed bun
Local brand BreadTalk has come under fire on social media for creating a new bun to the late Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
According to articles on The Mothership and Straits Times, BreadTalk had posted a promotional poster on its social media channels earlier today where it announced the launch of a new bun called “Lee bu kai ni” which means “can’t leave you” – a play on Lee’s surname.
The company added that the proceeds from the bun, priced at SG$2, would be donated to Community Chest.
A quick check by Marketing shows that the post has since been removed. However, netizens have flared up at the brand saying the move is tasteless and disrespectful. Others have said that this is simply a bad marketing idea and will haunt the brand.
One Jean Cooper said on BreadTalk’s Facebook page:
“Dear bread talk, this has really left a bad taste in my mouth. A man like Lee Kuan Yew does not need a piece of bread to commemorate his great deeds. It would have been better if you had given it out to the elderly and infirm who queued for hours in the sun, waiting to pay their last respects. Make this a right and not a wrong please, by doing the right thing.”
Another Nelson Lim said:
“Opportunistic and in bad taste – Bread Talk expects customers to buy the bun, pay $2 and eat it. It doesn’t matter if the money goes to Community Chest. It’s a marketing ploy to draw people to Bread Talk cashing in on a sad occasion. This is disrespect to our founding father.”
Marketing has reached out to BreadTalk for a comment.
(Photo courtesy: Hardware Zone forums)
