KOTA KINABALU, Oct. 5 -- Sabah can protect freedom of religion while safeguarding public security when deciding on the scheduled Israel Houghton gospel concert here, said Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

The Kota Kinabalu MP said a lawful religious event should be allowed to proceed.

"I urge the Sabah government to apply one simple principle when considering the organisers' pending event application.

"A lawful religious event should be allowed to proceed, provided the organisers comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and reasonable security requirements," he said in a statement.

Chan said genuine security concerns should be assessed professionally through appropriate measures, adding that objections or the possibility of protests should not...