Sabah cops to advise postponing US gospel singer Israel Houghton’s concert

 State police commissioner Jauteh Dikun says two reports have been lodged over the concert.

Israel Houghton is a US Grammy Award-winning gospel and contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and musician, also known for the group Israel & New Breed. (EPA Images pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Sabah police will advise the state government to postpone US gospel singer Israel Houghton’s concert if the organisers submit a formal application, says state police commissioner Jauteh Dikun.

He said the advice was based on public reactions to the concert and community sensitivities, adding that police have received two reports about the event.

Jauteh said police would continue to monitor the situation and obtain statements from the relevant parties.

“Judging from media coverage of the upcoming concert, there have been many reactions from the public. Two police reports were lodged on the grounds that it is unsuitable to hold the event at this time,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama today.

“The singer’s name and his stance on Israel have triggered sensitivities within the community. Houghton previously expressed support for Israel in an Instagram post on Oct 8, 2023.”

Jauteh said the organisers have yet to submit a formal application to the state government, even though the dates, venues and ticket prices have already been advertised.

He said the concert is scheduled for Oct 22 to 25 at several locations in Kota Kinabalu and is part of the singer’s international tour, with Sabah among his stops in Malaysia.

Houghton is a US gospel and contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and musician, also known for the group Israel & New Breed.

He has won eight Grammy Awards, including his most recent win for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. - FMT