KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial rapper Namewee, was arrested at the Federal Police Headquarters, here today after police recorded his statement over a music video entitled 'Like a Dog' which was deemed insensitive.
Federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd confirmed the arrest of the rapper, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, 34.
He said Namewee was arrested at 2.45pm after several police reports were lodged against him over his music video that he produced for Chinese New Year contained elements which could possibly create racial disharmony in the country.
"We acted based on four reports which had been lodged against Namewee citing elements of insensitivity towards religion, which could spark racial tension living in a multiracial country, like Malaysia," he said in a statement.
Wan Ahmad Najmuddin said Namawee had been detained to facilitate investigations under Section 298 A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
On Feb 18, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police had opened up investigation papers on Namewee with regard to his video clip.
Meanwhile, Namawee through his Facebook account earlier posted that he had been arrested and would be released tomorrow.
"Namewee has been officially arrested. We will continue to cooperate with police for investigation. Thanks for your continuous support. Let's pray and hope that Namewee will be released tomorrow," he wrote.
Last week, Namewee uploaded the CNY-themed Like a Dog music video, in which he and other individuals are seen dancing “indecently” in front of Masjid Putra in Putrajaya.
The video which went viral had angered many netizens and public who urged the MCMC to investigate the headline-grabbing local rapper.