Another ex-Sabah CM backs calls for gospel concert to proceed

Another former Sabah chief minister has backed calls for American gospel singer Israel Houghton to perform in the state.

Warisan president Shafie Apdal joined former chief minister Salleh Said Keruak in supporting the concert, saying Christians in Sabah should be free to attend, subject to the necessary approvals and applicable rules.

“The authorities must apply the rules fairly. If there is a specific legal obstacle, they should state it clearly.

“Any genuine security concerns should be addressed, with the police taking appropriate measures to maintain peace and protect those attending,” Shafie said in a statement today.

Houghton and his band, Israel & New Breed, are scheduled to perform in Sabah later this month. However, the singer's alleged stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has prompted calls for the concert to be postponed.

Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun had recommended postponing the concert, citing concerns over the band’s name and Houghton’s (above) alleged support for Israel.

While saying Jauteh’s concerns should be taken seriously, Salleh stressed that other factors should also be considered, including Houghton’s following among Sabah’s Christian community.

Religious coexistence

Shafie, meanwhile, said objections alone should not determine whether a religious gathering should be allowed to take place.

“People have the right to disagree and to express their objections peacefully. Those who wish to attend also deserve fair treatment and respect,” he said.

He also said Sabah’s tradition of religious coexistence included respecting each community’s freedom to worship and organise programmes within the law.

“Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and people of other faiths have shared this land for generations. Respect for each other’s beliefs includes the freedom to gather, to pray, to sing, and to organise religious programmes within the law.

“We must uphold that tradition. Our religious harmony depends on ensuring that every community feels respected and secure in practising its faith,” he said.

Shafie also urged all parties to exercise restraint and mutual respect.

Questions over permit

On Sept 28, Jauteh said organisers had yet to submit a formal application to the state government despite advertising the event’s dates, venues, and ticket prices.

Police had received two reports concerning the concert at the time.

The United Sabah Islamic Association and Sabah Islamic NGOs also lodged a police report in Lahad Datu on Sept 29, seeking a review of the concert’s permits over Houghton’s alleged stance on Israel.

The groups stressed that their objection was not based on religion or race.

Ex-CM: Sabah cops should manage security so gospel concert can go ahead

Sabah police recommend deferring gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert