“The authorities must apply the rules fairly. If there is a specific legal obstacle, they should state it clearly. “Any genuine security concerns should be addressed, with the police taking appropriate measures to maintain peace and protect those attending,” Shafie said in a statement today.

Houghton and his band, Israel & New Breed, are scheduled to perform in Sabah later this month. However, the singer's alleged stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has prompted calls for the concert to be postponed.

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. While saying Jauteh’s concerns should be taken seriously, Salleh stressed that other factors should also be considered, including Houghton’s following among Sabah’s Christian community.

Religious coexistence

Shafie, meanwhile, said objections alone should not determine whether a religious gathering should be allowed to 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.

He also said Sabah’s tradition of religious coexistence included respecting each community’s freedom to worship and organise programmes within the law.

“Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and people of other faiths have shared this land for generations. Respect for each other’s beliefs includes the freedom to gather, to pray, to sing, and to organise religious programmes within the law.

“We must uphold that tradition. Our religious harmony depends on ensuring that every community feels respected and secure in practising its faith,” he said.

Shafie also urged all parties to exercise restraint and mutual respect.

Questions over permit

On Sept 28, Jauteh said organisers had yet to submit a formal application to the state government despite advertising the event’s dates, venues, and ticket prices.

Police had received two reports concerning the concert at the time.

Meerkat : Shafee is doing so much more to advance his religion than PAS and UMNO combined.

Kawak : Do not allow religious extremism to creep into Sabah where the people had live peacefully for centuries.

UB40 : Shouldn’t the police protect all citizens whenever there is security threat? Shouldn’t they investigate or find out who are the culprits? 

Isn’t they job to protect citizens is there is security risk instead of asking the organizers to cancel the concert? Why people can organize nashid event but people cannot organize gospel concert? Isn’t both are peaceful event?

OrangePigeon6081 : Don't follow the west Malaysia trap.

Sealthedeal : Music and sports event organisers should ignore calls from any religious or political groups calling on a ban. In fact it should be made illegal. Who do they think they are?

On the Other Hand : Have you forgotten who conquered, occupied and colonized the Holy Land in the 7th Century CE?

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.