Anifah urges Sabahans to reject religious intolerance over Israel Houghton concert

Former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman Anifah added that if law enforcement authorities can ensure that Houghton complies with local laws and avoids provoking local sensitivities, and reasonable measures can be taken to prevent any provocation, he does not see why Houghton should be prevented from performing in Sabah. — Picture by Hari Anggara

First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 11:43 AM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 6 — Former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman has urged Sabahans not to bring religious intolerance into Sabah.

In a statement regarding the proposed concert by Israel Houghton here, Anifah said he was surprised that police reports have been made against the organising of the concert as Sabah has always been a land where tolerance is of utmost importance.

“Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and members of all religions can live harmoniously together.

“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.

Anifah said he was made to understand that the singer had previously voiced his support for the political state of Israel on social media.

“I do recall a heavy metal group who also publicly supported the political state of Israel performing in Bukit Jalil stadium just last month. Why the double standard? Has religious intolerance begun to creep in our society?” he queried.

He pointed out that when he was the foreign minister, there were athletes who came to Malaysia to participate in certain sporting events.

“Some athletes were supporters of Israel. However, the government of Malaysia made a clear stance that they can come to Malaysia provided they respect local sensitivities and do not fly the Israeli flag,” he said.

Anifah added that if law enforcement authorities can ensure that Houghton complies with local laws and avoids provoking local sensitivities, and reasonable measures can be taken to prevent any provocation, he does not see why Houghton should be prevented from performing in Sabah.

“After all, he is not here to proselytise among Muslims as the event is clearly stated—for Christians only.

“Christianity has many denominations and Israel performs Gospel music which is the norm amongst many Protestant and Reformed denominations, which also have a significant presence in Sabah. We never had a problem before this. We shouldn’t make this a problem now. Don’t bring religious politics of intolerance into Sabah,” he said.

Separately, STAR Sabah president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan expressed his support for Anifah’s stance.

He said Anifah raised an important concern about preserving the mutual respect that has long sustained Sabah’s diverse society.

“In Sabah, Muslims, Christians, and followers of other faiths have lived together, celebrated one another’s festivals, and respected each other’s religious practices for generations. This harmony is a strength we must protect.

“We must also remember the solemn pledge inscribed on Batu Sumpah Keningau: ‘Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin—Ugama Bebas Dalam Sabah’ or The Malaysian Government Guarantees—Freedom of Religion in Sabah,” said Jeffrey.

He said that the historic pledge reflected the importance Sabahans place on religious freedom and mutual respect in the formation of Malaysia.

“As the Member of Parliament for Keningau, I emphasise that this pledge must continue to guide our leadership and our treatment of every religious community. Its meaning must be upheld in practice, including respect for Christians to gather and express their faith peacefully, subject to applicable laws.

“Protecting this freedom is a shared responsibility. Every community benefits when we honour the same principle: respect for one another’s beliefs and the freedom to practise them in peace,” he added. — The Borneo Post