Sabah police say gospel singer Israel Houghton concert unsuitable now, two reports lodged

The Sabah police, led by Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, will advise the state government to postpone Israel Houghton's concert in light of public reactions and sensitivities surrounding the event.

Concerns were raised due to Houghton's support for Israel and two police reports have already been filed opposing the concert.

Although details of the concert have been announced, the organizers have yet to officially seek permission.

The event is part of Houghton's international tour and is scheduled to take place in Kota Kinabalu from October 22 to 25.

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 — Sabah police will advise the state government to postpone American gospel singer Israel Houghton’s concert if a formal application is submitted.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the stance takes into account public reaction and community sensitivities about the concert at this time.

He said police have so far received two reports concerning the event and will continue to monitor the situation, including obtaining statements from relevant parties.

“Based on mass media coverage of this concert, we found 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 said.

Both the artist’s name and his alleged stance on Israel have stirred sensitivities within the community. Houghton had previously expressed support for Israel in an Instagram post on Oct 8, 2023.

“If the state government seeks the views of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and, given the current sensitivities, we will advise that the concert not be held for now,” he said at a press conference at the Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters here today.

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

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

Israel Houghton is an American 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. — Bernama

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沙巴警方在警监拿督贾乌特·迪昆的带领下，将建议州政府鉴于公众对以色列·霍顿演唱会的反应和敏感性，推迟该演唱会。

由于霍顿支持以色列，引发了人们的担忧，目前已有两份警方报告反对这场音乐会。

虽然音乐会的具体细节已经公布，但主办方尚未正式申请许可。

此次活动是霍顿国际巡回展的一部分，定于 10 月 22 日至 25 日在哥打基纳巴卢举行。

哥打基纳巴卢，9月28日讯——如果收到正式申请，沙巴警方将建议州政府推迟美国福音歌手以色列·霍顿的演唱会。

沙巴州警察总监拿督贾乌特·迪昆表示，这一立场考虑到了公众的反应以及此时社区对音乐会的敏感性。

他说，警方目前已收到两起与此事件相关的报案，并将继续监控事态发展，包括向相关各方获取证词。

他说：“根据大众媒体对这场音乐会的报道，我们发现公众对此反应不一。警方接到两起报案，理由是此时举办这场活动不合适。”

这位艺术家的名字及其对以色列的立场都引发了社区的敏感反应。霍顿此前曾在2023年10月8日的一篇Instagram帖子中表达了对以色列的支持。

“如果州政府征求马来西亚皇家警察（PDRM）的意见，考虑到目前的敏感性，我们将建议暂时不要举行这场音乐会，”他今天在沙巴州警察总部举行的新闻发布会上说。

Jauteh表示，尽管日期、地点和票价已经公布，但主办方尚未向州政府提交正式申请。

他说，这场演唱会显然定于10月22日至25日在哥打基纳巴卢的几个地点举行，是这位歌手国际巡演的一部分，沙巴是他在马来西亚的演出地点之一。

以色列·霍顿是一位美国福音和当代基督教歌手、词曲作家和音乐家，也因与以色列和新世代乐队合作而闻名。

他曾八次获得格莱美奖，包括最近一次在2026年格莱美奖上凭借最佳当代基督教音乐专辑奖获奖。——马新社

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马来西亚护照目前在全球排名第二，与新加坡护照并列银级。

新加坡国务资政李显龙回忆哈斯玛医生幽默风趣、热情洋溢，并热爱音乐。