{
  "id": 10411676,
  "title": "Sabah police say gospel singer Israel Houghton concert unsuitable now, two reports lodged",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/sabah-police-say-gospel-singer-israel-houghton-concert-unsuitable-now-10411676",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:02:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/28/sabah-police-say-gospel-singer-israel-houghton-concert-unsuitable-now-two-reports-lodged/236892"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 — The Sabah police have advised the state government to postpone American gospel singer Israel Houghton’s upcoming concert, pending a formal application from the organiser. Commissioner Jauteh Dikun stated that this decision is influenced by public reaction and community sensitivities surrounding the event. So far, the police have received two reports concerning the concert, and they will continue to monitor the situation, including collecting statements from relevant parties. The potential postponement of the event comes amid a backlash from the public, with prominent reactions surfacing following media coverage of the concert. The two reports lodged with the police are primarily due to concerns over the suitability of the event at the present time. Notably, the singer's social media posts, including his stance on Israel, have fueled sensitivities within the community. Prior to the planned concert, Houghton had shared a post on Instagram on Oct 8, 2023, expressing support for Israel. During a press conference at the Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters, Jauteh affirmed that the police will recommend the cancellation of the concert for the time being, given the current sensitivities. It is worth noting that the organisers have yet to submit a formal application to the state government, despite the event's dates, venue, and ticket prices being advertised. The concert is scheduled to take place from Oct 22 to 25 at various locations in Kota Kinabalu, as part of Houghton's international tour, with Sabah being one of his stops in Malaysia. Houghton, an American gospel and contemporary Christian singer, songwriter, and musician, is also known for his group Israel & New Breed. He has achieved significant success, having won eight Grammy Awards, with his most recent win for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 — Sabah police will advise the state government to postpone American gospel singer Israel H...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "Sabah police recommend deferring gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/sabah-police-recommend-deferring-gospel-singer-israel-houghtons",
        "published": "2026-09-28T08:40:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Sabah police say gospel singer Israel Houghton concert unsuitable now, two reports lodged",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/sabah-police-say-gospel-singer-israel-houghton-concert-unsuitable-now",
        "published": "2026-09-28T09:02:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Polis Sabah nasihat tangguh konsert Israel Houghton",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/polis-sabah-nasihat-tangguh-konsert-israel-houghton",
        "published": "2026-09-28T09:06:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}