Malaysian rapper Namewee, renowned for his provocative and satirical music, has been charged with illegal drug use and possession, according to reports from Kuala Lumpur police. The 42-year-old artist, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on bail following his arrest last month. Namewee is widely recognized for addressing taboo subjects in Malaysia, ranging from obscenity to religion and China’s censorship, through his music and videos. In a recent Instagram post, he vehemently denied any involvement with drugs, stating, ‘The truth will be out when the police report is released.’
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus revealed that Namewee was apprehended on October 22 in a hotel room, where authorities discovered pills suspected to be ecstasy (MDMA). Subsequent drug tests reportedly detected amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC in his system, leading to a two-day remand. If convicted, Namewee could face up to five years in prison and corporal punishment.
The case has drawn additional attention due to its connection to the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in her hotel room bathtub during the same period. Namewee expressed his condolences on Instagram, lamenting the delayed ambulance response. He also mentioned receiving threats and vowed to ‘fight to the end,’ though it remains unclear whether his statement pertains to the drug charges or Hsieh’s death.
Namewee’s career has been marked by controversy. In 2016, he was arrested for his music video ‘Oh My God,’ which was filmed at various places of worship and accused of offending religious sentiments. In 2021, his song ‘Fragile,’ which mocked Chinese nationalists and addressed politically sensitive topics like Taiwan’s sovereignty and the persecution of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, went viral but was banned in China. Despite his legal troubles, Namewee continues to be a polarizing figure in the music industry.