{
  "id": 12292535,
  "title": "Anifah urges Sabahans to reject religious intolerance over Israel Houghton concert",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/anifah-urges-sabahans-to-reject-religious-intolerance-over-israel",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T03:43:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/06/anifah-urges-sabahans-to-reject-religious-intolerance-over-israel-houghton-concert/237881"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU, Oct 6 — Former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman has strongly urged Sabahans to reject religious intolerance in regard to the proposed concert by American singer Israel Houghton. Anifah expressed surprise that police reports have been filed against the event, as Sabah is known for its strong tradition of tolerance among people of all religions. He emphasized that Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and members of all religious communities can coexist peacefully in the state.\n\nAnifah highlighted that the singer has previously expressed support for the political state of Israel on social media, but questioned the double standard in allowing a heavy metal group to perform in a stadium just last month. He recalled that when he served as the foreign minister, athletes who were supporters of Israel participated in sporting events in Malaysia, but the government ensured they respected local sensitivities and did not display the Israeli flag.\n\nAnifah stated that if law enforcement authorities can ensure Houghton follows local laws and avoids provoking local sensitivities, there should be no reason to prevent him from performing in Sabah. He clarified that Houghton is not there to proselytize among Muslims, as the event is explicitly for Christians only. Given that Christianity has many denominations and Israel performs Gospel music, which is accepted in many Protestant and Reformed denominations prevalent in Sabah, there was never an issue before. Anifah urged the public not to introduce religious intolerance into Sabah's already harmonious society.\n\nSTAR Sabah president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan expressed his support for Anifah's stance, emphasizing the importance of preserving the mutual respect that has sustained Sabah's diverse society for generations. He reminded the public of the historic pledge inscribed on Batu Sumpah Keningau, which guarantees freedom of religion in Sabah. Kitingan urged that this pledge must continue to guide the leadership and treatment of all religious communities in the state, upholding respect for Christians and other faiths to gather and express their faith peacefully, as long as applicable laws are followed.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU, Oct 6 — Former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman has urged Sabahans not to bring religious intol...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Anifah's call to reject religious intolerance over Israel Houghton's concert signals an effort to preserve Sabah's tradition of interfaith harmony and uphold the state's pledge of freedom of religion.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Anifah urges Sabahans to reject religious intolerance over Israel Houghton concert",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/anifah-urges-sabahans-to-reject-religious-intolerance-over-israel-12301592",
        "published": "2026-10-06T03:43:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}