Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has urged the police to manage security concerns so American gospel singer Israel Houghton's planned concert can proceed.

State police commissioner Jauteh Dikun had recommended postponing the concert by Houghton’s band, Israel & New Breed, over concerns about his name and his support for the Zionist state.

At least two police reports have been lodged against the event, whose organisers have begun advertising it despite not yet filing the necessary paperwork.

In a statement today, Salleh said Jauteh’s (above) concerns should be taken seriously, but all factors should be weighed as Houghton has a following among Sabah’s Christian community.

“Sabah has always been known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. This is a tradition worth preserving.

"⁠If the security concerns can be reasonably managed, the emphasis should be on ensuring that the concert is conducted responsibly and peacefully, rather than preventing it from taking place altogether," said the Umno politician.

United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia) and Sabah Islamic NGOs lodged a police report in Lahad Datu and called for a review of the concert’s permits, Daily Express reported.

They cited Houghton’s alleged stance on Israel and the Israel–Palestine conflict, but stress the objection is not against any religion or race and that they reject hatred toward any group.

Houghton (below), an eight-time Grammy Award winner, is scheduled to perform in Sabah later this month.

There is conflicting information on his band’s social media page advertising a concert on Oct 22 and screenshots from a ticket-selling platform stating it would be on Oct 25.

Sabah police recommend deferring gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert

Sabah police recommend deferring gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert