Kota Kinabalu: An artiste’s personal or political views should be kept separate from his performances, in this case a Christian concert and so long as the event is not used to promote or rally support for Israel, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).
Its Information Chief Dr Bonaventure Boniface said as a component of the ruling State GRS Government, it supports allowing American gospel singer Israel Houghton and his Israel & New Breed Kota Kinabalu concert as long as it is about Christian music and worship.
“PBS believes that personal or political views of an artiste should be separated from the concert itself,” he said.
PBS called on the authorities and organisers to settle the necessary approvals and security arrangements so the concert could proceed as planned.
“Harmony in Sabah must be preserved by respecting the right of every community to practise their faith peacefully,” Bonaventure said.
He said the concert should also comply with all approvals, permits and security requirements imposed by the authorities.
He was responding to objections by certain groups, who also lodged reports, over his birth name being “Israel” among others.
Bonaventure said Houghton is an American artiste and stressed that “Israel” is his personal name and does not make him a representative of the State of Israel.
“His name should not be used as a reason to cancel the concert,” he said, adding that religious freedom and mutual respect had long been part of Sabah society.
“The event can be held peacefully in an enclosed venue with participation restricted to the Christian community,” he said.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun had earlier said police would advise the State Government that the concert not be held for the time being if their views were sought.
Police had received two reports concerning the event and, as of Sept 28, said the organisers had yet to submit a formal application to the State Government despite dates, venues and ticket prices having been advertised.
The United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia) and several Sabah Muslim non-governmental organisations have objected to the concert, saying their concern was not over religion or race.
The Sabah performances are part of Israel & New Breed’s international tour, with events advertised in Kota Kinabalu in October.
