Concert should proceed if security concerns manageable, says ex-CM
Umno's Salleh Said Keruak says Sabah's religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence are traditions worth preserving.
Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has advocated allowing US gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert in Kota Kinabalu to proceed, provided security concerns can be effectively managed. Keruak emphasized that the police were best-informed to evaluate potential risks to public order, but stressed the importance of considering all relevant factors, including Sabah's history of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
Houghton, a Grammy Award-winning gospel and contemporary Christian singer and musician, is also known for his work with the group Israel & New Breed. He has earned eight Grammy Awards, including a recent win for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Recently, Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun stated that the concert organizers had not submitted a formal application to the state government, despite the concert's dates, venues, and ticket prices already being advertised. Dikun suggested that the police would recommend postponing Houghton's concert if the organizers submitted a formal application. He noted that Houghton's support for Israel has provoked sensitivities within the community, resulting in two police reports due to its unsuitability at the current time.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Concert should proceed if security concerns manageable, says ex-CM freemalaysiatoday.com
