KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — An artistes’ group suggested that the government revoke rapper Wee Meng Chee or Namewee’s citizenship over his latest music video controversy.
Malaysian Artiste Association (Seniman) president Rozaidi Abd Jamil, popularly known as Zed Zaidi, claimed Namewee has repeatedly been provocative towards Malaysia’s cultural and religious sensitivities with his performances and behaviour.
“With people like Namewee, we take it that he does not understand our country’s sensitivities. Maybe he has lived overseas for too long.
“Things like these, he’s not done it one time but many times. When it has become too much, he should have already been caught, or just revoke his citizenship,” Zed told Malay Mail yesterday.
Last week, Namewee uploaded a video clip for Chinese New Year titled Like A Dog that showed people wearing dog costumes dancing suggestively in Putrajaya.
Complaints appear to be focused on a mosque that is visible at a distance in the background.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi responded to questions about the video by warning Namewee to be mindful of cultural and religious norms here.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said yesterday that the rapper was under investigation for allegedly offending religious sensitivities.
Zed also suggested that authorities bar the rapper from further public performances, saying the latter was hurting the image of Malaysian entertainers.
While entertainers should have the freedom to express themselves, Zed said they must be mindful of the restrictions here.
“Which means, he or she cannot create creative products to give a negative impact, and which then leads to unrest and threatens our harmony,” he added.
Namewee is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for his latest video.
