This was revealed in a post on the rapper’s Facebook page, which related what had happened to him after he had gone to see the Bukit Aman police earlier today.
“Namewee has been officially remanded. We will continue to cooperate with police for investigations.
“Thanks for your continuous support. Let’s pray and hope that Namewee will be released tomorrow,” an administrator of his FB page had written.
Earlier today, Namewee had himself posted on Facebook that he was at the federal police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to give his statement following four police reports filed against him over his music video which has stirred up controversy.
“We will always cooperate with the police, and I’m not afraid because I believe Malaysia has justice.
“Thank you to all who support Namewee,” he said in his Facebook post.
Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun later released a statement saying that the 34-year-old, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, had been arrested in relation to a music video that contained elements that “insulted religion” and could “harm national unity and racial harmony”.
The IGP added that the police were investigating him under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The police had also been reported as saying that they are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the music video.
The “Like a Dog” video features Namewee with dog-barking sounds from around the world, accompanied by dancers wearing masks resembling a dog’s head.
In the video, the Malaysian dogs sing “mari-mari, wang-wang” (“Come, come, money, money”) but in Mandarin, “wang” can mean prosperity or luck.
Defending himself against critics, Namewee had said the music video was made in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Dog.
“It is just a form of entertainment and was not intended to insult any religion.”
He also said allegations that the music video was filmed in front of a mosque were incorrect.
“The filming of this music video was made in an open space, away from any activities. It was done along the main road of Putrajaya and not near the mosque.
“The building in the rear, which is located approximately about one kilometre away is the Prime Minister’s office. Look properly,” he said.
Cops sniffing out Namewee’s whereabouts over his ‘Like a Dog’ video