Warisan president Shafie Apdal urges authorities to apply rules fairly over Israel Houghton’s proposed Sabah concert, subject to necessary approvals.
PETALING JAYA: Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has urged the authorities to apply the rules fairly regarding a proposed concert by United States gospel singer Israel Houghton in Sabah, following concerns over his past expression of support for Israel.
In a statement today, Shafie said the concert by Houghton and his band should be allowed to proceed if it obtains the necessary approvals and complies with all applicable regulations.
He said Sabah’s strength had always been rooted in its people living together across racial and religious lines, adding that every community should have the freedom to practise its faith peacefully while respecting others.
“Supporting the freedom of Christians in Sabah to attend this gathering does not mean endorsing every personal or political view held by a visiting performer,” he said.
Shafie said the authorities should clearly state if there was a specific legal obstacle to the event, while any genuine security concerns should be addressed through appropriate police measures to maintain public order and protect attendees.
“Objections alone should not determine whether a religious gathering can take place.
“People have the right to disagree and to express their objections peacefully. Those who wish to attend also deserve fair treatment and respect,” he said.
The issue arose after the Israel & New Breed – Til The Whole World Knows Tour 2026 was publicised for Kota Kinabalu on Oct 22.
Houghton had previously expressed support for Israel in an Instagram post on Oct 8, 2023, which later drew scrutiny amid Malaysia’s strong support for the Palestinian cause.
On Sept 28, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun was reported to have said that police had received two reports regarding the planned concert and advised that it be postponed for the time being, citing public sensitivities and public order concerns.
He also said police had taken note of public reactions over confusion surrounding the artiste’s name and allegations regarding his position on Israel, but stressed that maintaining public order remained the main consideration.
Several Islamic groups subsequently urged the authorities to review the event, citing humanitarian concerns and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Houghton is a gospel and contemporary Christian singer-songwriter associated with Israel & New Breed. He has won eight Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Shafie said Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and people of other faiths had lived together in Sabah for generations, adding that respecting each other’s beliefs included allowing people to gather, pray, sing and organise religious programmes within the law.
He called on the relevant authorities to facilitate the event once all necessary requirements had been met, while urging all parties to exercise restraint and mutual respect.
“We must uphold the law, protect peaceful religious practice and preserve the harmony that has always been Sabah’s strength,” he said.
