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Sabah police recommend deferring gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert
Sabah police will advise the state government to postpone American gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert if a formal application is submitted, amid concerns over his name and his support for Israel.
State police commissioner Jauteh Dikun said the stance takes into account public reaction and community sensitivities about the concert at this time.
Sabah police will advise the state government to postpone American gospel singer Israel Houghton's concert if a formal application is submitted, amid concerns over his name and his support for Israel.
State police commissioner Jauteh Dikun said the stance takes into account public reaction and community sensitivities about the concert at this time.
He said police have so far received two reports concerning the event and will continue to monitor the situation, including obtaining statements from relevant parties.
"Based on media coverage of this concert, we found many reactions from the public. Two police reports were lodged on the grounds that it is unsuitable to hold the event at this time.
"If the state government seeks the views of the police and, given the current sensitivities, we will advise that the concert not be held for now," he said at a press conference at the Sabah contingent police headquarters in Kota Kinabalu today.
Jauteh said the organisers have yet to submit a formal application to the state government, even though the date, venue and ticket prices have already been advertised.
The concert has been scheduled from Oct 22 to 25 at several locations in Kota Kinabalu and is part of the singer's international tour, with Sabah among his Malaysian stops.
Houghton (above) is an American gospel and contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and musician, also known for the group Israel & New Breed.
He has won eight Grammy Awards, including his most recent win for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
- Bernama
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Two police report does not represent 3 millions people in Sabah! Besides, who are these two who made the police report, are they even Sabahan??? Just two persons and you are depriving the rights of hundreds of thousands of Sabahans? Sabah do not have "sensitive" people like the other side of Malaysia.
Oh dear , another " police " report . This singers name is Israel, his group is named after him . He is an award winning gospel singer and not a preacher . So we are confused again like the " Allah " issue . God whoever you are please teach us to think rationally , we used to . We don't need to divide each other further based on religion and race .
Christians should be able to watch gospel performance. Others can decide for themselves but the government should not deprive the Christians of this opportunity. Intolerance should never be permitted.
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