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KUALA LUMPUR : In Malaysia, a controversial rapper has landed himself in hot soup, after a provocative video clip of his using obscene language was posted on YouTube.
Wee Meng Chee, a Malaysian Chinese who is releasing his first album, remains unapologetic, insisting that he was only trying to fight racism through his work.
This is not the first time the 27-year-old rapper, songwriter is in trouble.
Wee, better known as NameWee, caused a stir in 2007 with his own rendition of Malaysia's national anthem, "Negaraku".
The video was widely circulated on the Internet. Many found it offensive - mocking the Islam religion and the mindset of Malays.
His parents have apologised. And with the help of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) - a Malaysian political party - NameWee was let off the hook by the authorities.
Now, he has done it again. This time, NameWee released another provocative video clip.
His rap was punctuated with profanity against a Malaysian headmistress, who allegedly made racist remarks against non-Malay students.
NameWee said: "I am angry. I think they should learn something, they should do something, but nobody does anything. So I think I should do something to
tell everyone this is racist."
Now the authorities feel that NameWee has crossed the line. The three-minute video clip that is laced with vulgar lyrics and pictures is also seditious in nature.
NameWee was hauled up by the police and investigated by the cyber crime department. His home was raided a few times and now he fears that he may be arrested and put behind bars.
NameWee is unapologetic, and insists that he has been misunderstood.
He said: "Regardless what others may think, my intention is positive, although the way I conveyed my message may be a bit extreme. But I believe these are voices in cyberspace. A society can only progress if it can accommodate different voices."
Pang Khee Teik, art director, Annexe Gallery, said: "A lot of rap music, from the Beastie Boys to 2live crew, has strived on being crude. What they are saying is not something new - a lot of people think these thoughts, but they say it and that's the difference.
"They say what people think and they put it to a beat and so sometimes people are shocked by the fact that the things they think about in silence are now aired in public."
Public reaction in the mainly Malay population has been mixed.
Prime Minister Najib Razak has warned that racism would not be tolerated.
And many Malaysians are calling for both NameWee and the school headmistress alleged to have made racist remarks to be punished if the accusations are true.
- CNA/al
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