Trump welcomed despite protests, so why not Houghton, asks MP
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has criticized the Malaysian police for suggesting the postponement of a gospel concert by Israel Houghton due to public sensitivity. He argues that security concerns should be managed professionally rather than allowing public pressure to dictate event cancellations.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tension between public order, religious sensitivities, and freedom of expression in Malaysia.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said the police have not publicly shown that Israel Houghton’s proposed concert will promote hatred or violence.
PETALING JAYA: If Malaysia could welcome US president Donald Trump despite protests over US policy on Palestine, there should be no reason a US gospel singer’s concert cannot go ahead if security risks can be managed, says Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng.
Lim was referring to Israel Houghton’s planned concert in Sabah, and criticised the police for saying they would advise the state government to postpone it if organisers submitted a formal application.
He said the police had not publicly shown that Houghton’s proposed performance would promote hatred or violence.
“The police should explain why the sensitivities surrounding Houghton’s concert cannot likewise be managed through proper security arrangements.
“Objections from some groups alone should not determine whether an event can proceed,” he said in a statement.
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