by David Ebin
KOTA KINABALU: Oct 4, 2026 — Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan has backed Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Anifah Aman’s call for tolerance and fair treatment over the proposed Israel Houghton concert in Kota Kinabalu.
The Keningau MP said the stance was important to preserve the mutual respect that is the cornerstone of Sabah’s multiracial society.
“Muslims, Christians and followers of other faiths have lived together, celebrated their respective festivities and respected one another’s religious practices for generations. This harmony is a strength we must protect,” he said.
Jeffrey reminded all parties of the pledge at the Keningau Oath Stone: “The Malaysian Government Guarantees — Freedom of Religion in Sabah”. The pledge, he said, reflected the people’s emphasis on religious freedom and mutual respect in the formation of Malaysia.
He stressed that the pledge should guide leadership and the treatment of every religious community, including respect for the right of Christians to gather and express their faith peacefully, subject to the law.
According to Jeffrey, the event is a gospel concert for Christian audiences. Concerns over the singer’s political views should be assessed fairly on their own merits, without casting suspicion on the religious practices of Sabah’s Christian community.
“Giving permission for a musical performance does not mean endorsing every political view held by the singer,” he said.
He said concern over the suffering of the Palestinian people did not contradict respect for Christian worship and religious expression. Both could be upheld without allowing international political disputes to divide local communities.
If there were concerns about provocation, Jeffrey said the authorities must set clear conditions, including compliance with the law, respect for local sensitivities and ensuring the concert is not used as a stage for provocation.
“If those conditions are met, I support the concert going ahead,” he said.
He urged the authorities to apply consistent standards to similar events. Decisions must be based on evidence, public safety and legal compliance. The religious identity of the singer or audience must not be a reason for unequal treatment.
Jeffrey urged all parties to be patient and resolve the matter through dialogue.
“Sabahans have built a society where religious differences do not stop us from being neighbours, friends and family. We must ensure this spirit continues.
“I stand with Tan Sri Anifah in rejecting religious intolerance. Let us honour the pledge of the Keningau Oath Stone and protect Sabah’s harmony through justice, mutual respect and responsible leadership,” he said.
