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Popular Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Namewee, known for his sharp social commentary and controversial music, has been charged with illegal drug use and possession, according to local media reports quoting 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 after being arrested last month. Police said he was detained on October 22 in a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur, where officers allegedly found pills believed to be ecstasy, also known as MDMA.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus stated that Namewee later tested positive for several illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC. He was subsequently remanded for two days before being released. If convicted, Namewee could face up to five years in prison and corporal punishment through caning.
In an Instagram post published on Sunday, the rapper denied all allegations, insisting that he neither used nor carried drugs. “The truth will be out when the police report is released,” he wrote, adding that he remains confident in clearing his name.
Police sources told local media that Namewee had been staying in the same hotel at the time of the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in her bathtub. While authorities have not linked the two incidents, the coincidence has drawn widespread attention on social media.
Responding to public speculation, Namewee expressed sadness over Hsieh’s death, revealing that he was “deeply sorry” about what happened. He claimed that the ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive at the scene, describing the situation as tragic and distressing.
The rapper also said he had chosen to remain silent during the investigation period but hinted that he had been facing harassment. “I have received blackmail in recent days,” he wrote on Instagram, vowing to “fight to the end.”
Namewee has long been a divisive figure in Malaysia’s entertainment industry. His works often address sensitive issues such as race, religion, censorship, and politics. In 2016, he was arrested for his music video Oh My God, which was filmed at various places of worship and criticized by religious groups for allegedly insulting sacred institutions.
His 2021 song Fragile, featuring Australian singer Kimberley Chen, mocked Chinese nationalists and referenced politically charged topics such as Taiwan’s sovereignty and the persecution of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The track went viral across Mandarin-speaking audiences but was swiftly banned in China, further cementing Namewee’s reputation as a provocateur unafraid to challenge authority.
While the ongoing legal case may add another chapter to Namewee’s turbulent career, his fans have expressed support online, calling for fairness and transparency in the investigation. For now, the rapper maintains his innocence and awaits the outcome of the police report that could determine his future.
