Another ex-Sabah CM backs calls for gospel concert to proceed

Shafie stresses Sabah’s tradition of religious coexistence.

Malaysiakini Ayesha Sheik Mazrul · News & blogs · 4 hr ago

Key points

Houghton and his band, Israel & New Breed, are scheduled to perform in Sabah later this month.
Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun had recommended postponing the concert, citing concerns over the band’s name and Houghton’s (above) alleged support for Israel.
The United Sabah Islamic Association and Sabah Islamic NGOs also lodged a police report in Lahad Datu on Sept 29, seeking a review of the concert’s permits over Houghton’s alleged stance on Israel.

Sentences selected automatically from the original article by Malaysiakini.

Another former Sabah chief minister has backed calls for American gospel singer Israel Houghton to perform in the state.

Warisan president Shafie Apdal joined former chief minister Salleh Said Keruak in supporting the concert, saying Christians in Sabah should be free to attend, subject to the necessary approvals and applicable rules.

“The authorities must apply the rules fairly. If there is a specific legal obstacle...

“The authorities must apply the rules fairly. If there is a specific legal obstacle, they should state it clearly.

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Published: October 3, 2026 at 5:03 AM UTC
By: Ayesha Sheik Mazrul
Format: Article
Original: malaysiakini.com ↗

Another ex-Sabah CM backs calls for gospel concert to proceed

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