Trump welcomed despite protests, so why not Houghton, asks MP

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng questioned why Malaysia allowed US President Donald Trump to perform despite protests, yet demanded that Israel Houghton’s concert in Sabah be postponed. Lim pointed out that the police have not demonstrated that Houghton’s performance would incite hatred or violence. He asked the police to explain why the concerns about Houghton’s concert could not be addressed through adequate security measures.

Lim emphasized that objections from certain groups should not dictate whether an event can take place. The Sabah police chief stated that the recommendation to postpone the concert was due to public reactions and community sensitivities, including Houghton’s political views on Israel. The police have received two reports regarding the proposed concert.

Houghton’s scheduled tour includes performances in Kota Kinabalu from October 22 to 25. Former chief ministers Salleh Said Keruak and Shafie Apdal backed the concert’s progression if security issues could be adequately managed, respecting Christians’ rights to practice their faith peacefully and promoting mutual understanding.