{
  "id": 10820586,
  "title": "Concert should proceed if security concerns manageable, says ex-CM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/concert-should-proceed-if-security-concerns-manageable-says-ex-cm",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T01:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/30/concert-should-proceed-if-security-concerns-manageable-says-ex-cm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nHoughton, 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.\n\nRecently, 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.",
  "summary": "Umno's Salleh Said Keruak says Sabah's religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence are traditions worth preserving.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Sabah CM Salleh Said Keruak supports Houghton's concert if security is manageable.",
    "Police chief Jauteh Dikun says organizers haven't submitted formal application.",
    "Concert dates, venues, and ticket prices advertised despite no application."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Concert should proceed if security concerns manageable, says ex-CM",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/concert-should-proceed-if-security-concerns-manageable-says-ex-cm-10826813",
        "published": "2026-09-30T01:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}