{
  "id": 11834028,
  "title": "Trump welcomed despite protests, so why not Houghton, asks MP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/trump-welcomed-despite-protests-so-why-not-houghton-asks-mp",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T03:08:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/04/trump-welcomed-despite-protests-so-why-not-houghton-asks-mp"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng questioned why Malaysia would welcome US President Donald Trump despite protests over US policy on Palestine, yet Houghton's concert in Sabah faces cancellation threats. Lim cited the police's advice to postpone the concert if the organizer submits a formal application, arguing that the police have not proven Houghton's performance would incite hatred or violence. Lim questioned why community sensitivities surrounding Houghton's concert could not be managed through proper security arrangements, stating that objections from some groups should not determine an event's go-ahead. He emphasized that maintaining public order is the police's duty and that anyone threatening disruption should be addressed appropriately. Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun explained that the recommendation to postpone was based on public reactions and community sensitivities, specifically citing Houghton's name and stance on Israel as triggers for concern. The concert, set for Oct 22-25 in Kota Kinabalu, is part of Houghton's international tour and raises questions about the balance between religious freedom and mutual respect.",
  "summary": "Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng questions why the sensitivities surrounding Israel Houghton’s concert cannot likewise be managed through proper security arrangements.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Trump welcomed despite protests, so why not Houghton, asks MP",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/trump-welcomed-despite-protests-so-why-not-houghton-asks-mp-11836308",
        "published": "2026-10-04T03:08:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}