Kota Kinabalu: Security concerns should not automatically derail the proposed Israel Houghton concert if potential risks can be properly handled through suitable security measures, said former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (pic) in a Facebook statement on Wednesday.
He stressed that safety issues raised by Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun must be taken seriously, noting that the police are best placed to assess public order risks and recommend necessary precautions.
However, Salleh said all relevant factors ought to be weighed before any final decision is reached, pointing out that Houghton is a gospel singer with followers across the Christian community, including in Sabah.
He added that the state has long been recognised for its religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, describing it as a tradition worth preserving.
Salleh maintained that if security concerns can be reasonably managed, authorities should focus on ensuring the concert proceeds peacefully and responsibly rather than stopping it outright.
