KOTA KINABALU – Former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman has questioned objections to the proposed concert by American gospel singer Israel Houghton in Sabah, warning against bringing politics and religious intolerance into the state.
Anifah said he was surprised that police reports had been lodged over the proposed concert, describing Sabah as a state that has long been known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities.
He said Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and followers of other faiths had lived together peacefully in Sabah for generations, with mutual respect forming an important part of the state’s social fabric.
Anifah also questioned whether the controversy was being handled consistently, particularly in relation to Houghton’s alleged views concerning Israel.
He drew a comparison with a foreign heavy metal group which he said had also openly expressed support for Israel but was nevertheless allowed to perform at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil recently.
The former foreign minister questioned whether this represented a double standard in the treatment of foreign performers and warned against allowing religious intolerance to become part of Sabah’s political and social discourse.
Recalling his experience as foreign minister, Anifah said Malaysia had previously allowed foreign athletes known to support Israel to enter the country for major sporting events, provided they respected Malaysian sensitivities and did not display Israeli flags.
He said a similar approach could be considered in Houghton’s case, provided the singer and organisers complied with Malaysian laws and took reasonable measures to avoid provocation or actions that could offend local sensitivities.
Anifah said there was no reason for Houghton to be prevented from performing if all legal, security and administrative requirements were fulfilled.
He also pointed out that the proposed event was a Christian gathering and should not automatically be portrayed as an attempt to influence people of other faiths.
According to Anifah, Christian music, including gospel music performed by Houghton, forms part of worship among certain Christian denominations and has a longstanding presence among Sabah’s Christian communities.
He said such religious and cultural events should be viewed within the context of Sabah’s diverse society instead of becoming a source of unnecessary tension.
The controversy comes after Sabah police confirmed receiving reports concerning the proposed concert and indicated that authorities would take public reaction and current sensitivities into consideration.
Anifah stressed that Sabah’s strength has always been its ability to accommodate differences in religion, culture and background.
He said political considerations should not be allowed to undermine that tradition, particularly when dealing with matters involving freedom of religious expression and the state’s multicultural character.
He called for all parties to exercise restraint, respect the law and avoid turning the issue into a political or religious confrontation that could further divide the community. -MalayaDailyToday
