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LABUAN: The relevant authorities have been urged to allow the planned concert dates in Kota Kinabalu on Oct 22 and 23 of American gospel singer Israel Houghton, instead of seeking its postponement.
Activist George Elias said doing so would be unfair to the Christian community, especially the many fans in Labuan Federal Territory, who have already bought the tickets.
“It is not often that such shows are held in Sabah and I believe it is well within the special immigration provisions accorded to Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement,” he said.
It was earlier reported that Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun would not object if it was postponed to another date in view of concern raised in social media, including the singer’s name having the word “Israel”.
He was commenting on two police reports lodged over the concert.
“The popular singer cannot be faulted for having such a name and talk that he voiced protest over the Hamas massacre in Oct 7, 2023 in Israel was his personal right.
“He is an American and not an Israeli citizen and can always be cautioned not to promote his political views at the concert,” said Elias.
He said screening performers for their political stand on issues is surely not a condition Malaysia would want to impose on visiting entertainers as even within a group, members of a band may have differing views.
