Concert should proceed if security concerns manageable, says ex-CM
A former Sabah chief minister has advocated for allowing a gospel concert by US singer Israel Houghton to proceed, provided security concerns are managed. The event has faced scrutiny due to the singer's perceived support for Israel and local religious sensitivities.
Why it matters
The situation reflects the intersection of international geopolitical tensions, religious tolerance, and public order in Malaysia.
Israel Houghton is a US Grammy Award-winning gospel and contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and musician, also known for the group Israel & New Breed. (EPA Images pic)
PETALING JAYA: A former Sabah chief minister has urged the authorities to allow US gospel singer Israel Houghton’s concert in Kota Kinabalu to proceed if security concerns can be reasonably managed.
Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak said concerns over the concert raised by the state police chief should be taken seriously, and that the cops were best-positioned to assess potential risks to public order.
However, he also said that "all relevant factors" should be taken into account, including the way Sabah has upheld religious tolerance.
"Houghton is a gospel singer with followers among the Christian community, including in Sabah.
"Sabah has always been known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. These are traditions worth preserving.
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