by David E.
KOTA KINABALU: Oct 4, 2026 — Former foreign minister Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Anifah Aman has questioned the move to lodge a police report against the holding of a concert by Christian gospel singer Israel Houghton in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
He said Sabah has long been a state that upholds the values and spirit of tolerance, with Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and followers of various other religions living together in peace and harmony.
“Therefore, seeing police reports made against the organisation of a Christian concert, by a Christian singer, for a Christian audience is truly baffling,” he said in a statement here.
Anifah said he understood that the singer had previously voiced support for Israel on his social media.
“However, I do recall a heavy metal group who also publicly supported the political state of Israel performing in Bukit stadium just last monght which openly expressed support for Israel performed at Bukit Jalil stadium last month.
“Why the double standard? Has religious intolerance begun to creep in our society?” he asked.
He said that while he was foreign minister, Malaysia had received athletes who came to the country to take part in sports events.
“Some of those athletes were supporters of Israel.
“Nevertheless, the Malaysian government at the time took a clear position that they could come to Malaysia provided they respected local sensitivities and did not fly the Israeli flag,” he said.
Anifah said that if the authorities and law enforcement agencies could ensure Israel Houghton complies with local laws, does not commit any act that could spark or offend local sensitivities, and reasonable steps are taken to prevent any provocation, he saw no reason why he should be barred from performing in Sabah.
“Moreover, he is not coming here to spread Christianity among Muslims because the event has been clearly stated to be for Christians only.
“Christianity has various denominations, and Israel Houghton performs gospel music, a form of religious music common among many Protestant and Reformed denominations, which have also long been established in Sabah.
“Previously, such matters were never a problem for us. We should not make it a problem now.
“Do not bring intolerant religious politics to Sabah,” he said.
