Malaysian Rapper Arrested For 'Insulting Islam'

22 August 2016 | 6:31 pm | Staff Writer

The singer's new music video causes a stir

Malaysian musician and film director Namewee, aka Wee Meng Chee, has reportedly been arrested at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport following uproar surrounding his latest music video.

As ABC reports, the popular rapper was detained while trying to return home after several groups filed police reports claiming the music video for Oh My God, which dropped in July, insulted Islam.

The film clip draws focus on the Islamic call to prayer, while Namewee and other musicians dressed up in various cultures and religions garments and performed inside a mosque, church and various temples.

The original cut of the Oh My God video has since been removed with an edited version online, and Namewee saying he did not mean to offend anyone with the musical endeavour.

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It’s not the first time Namewee has made headlines, with a reputation as a controversial figure, making a strong impact early on in his career with a 2007 rap that used Malaysia's national anthem as a backing to rebellious lyrics.

According to the BBC, the 33-year-old will remain in custody for four days while investigations take place; the current "defiling a place of worship with intention to insult religion" charge can carry up to a two-year jail term.