Salleh Said Keruak Calls for Israel Houghton Concert to Proceed Peacefully

Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said security concerns surrounding American gospel singer Israel Houghton’s planned concert should be managed so the event can proceed peacefully.

His comments came after Sabah Police Commissioner Jauteh Dikun advised that the concert by Houghton’s group, Israel & New Breed, be postponed over sensitivities surrounding the singer’s name and his support for Israel.

Israel Houghton Concert: Salleh Urges Security Concerns to be Addressed

At least two police reports have been lodged over the event. The organisers have also reportedly begun promoting the concert despite not having submitted the required documents.

Salleh said the concerns raised by police should be taken seriously, but added that all factors needed to be considered, including Houghton’s following among Sabah’s Christian community.

He said Sabah had long been known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among its multiracial and multi-religious population, adding that the tradition should be preserved.

“If security concerns can be reasonably managed, the emphasis should be on ensuring that the concert is conducted responsibly and peacefully, rather than preventing it from taking place altogether,” he said.

Houghton, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, is scheduled to perform in Sabah later this month. However, conflicting dates have appeared in promotional materials, with the group’s social media page listing October 22 while a ticketing platform states October 25.