Malaysian rapper Namewee charged with drug offences; denies involvement in Taiwanese influencer's death
Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, known as the “nurse goddess” by her fans for her looks and background in nursing, was reportedly found unresponsive in a hotel bathtub in Malaysia in late October while filming a video project with Namewee.
Malaysian rapper Namewee (left) is at the centre of trouble and controversy after being charged with drug use and possession, while also reportedly being implicated in the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh. (Photos: CNA/Rashvinjeet S Bedi, Facebook/Iris Hsieh)
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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian rapper Namewee is at the centre of trouble and controversy after Malaysian police confirmed on Monday (Nov 3) that he had been charged with drug use and possession last month.
The music artist, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, has also reportedly been implicated in the death of a Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin at a hotel in Malaysia.
According to a Nov 2 report by local Chinese paper Sin Chew Daily, Hsieh - known as the “nurse goddess” by her fans for her looks and background in nursing - was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Malaysia while filming a video project with Namewee.
The report said that Wee found Hsieh, 31, unresponsive in the bathroom, administered CPR, before contacting emergency services at 12.30pm.
There have been conflicting reports about the date of Hsieh’s death, with some Malaysian media outlets saying it occurred on Oct 30, while other news organisations have reported Oct 22.
According to Sin Chew Daily, local police told the paper that Namewee was involved in the case and has been charged with drug use and possession of drugs.
Wee has reportedly denied any involvement in Hsieh’s death.
In a statement on Nov 2 on Instagram, Wee, 42, said he was “really pissed off” by false news reports and public speculation, without specifying whether it was about Hsieh’s death or his drug charges.
In his post, Wee expressed his condolences over Hsieh's death, while suggesting that the emergency response was tardy.
"The ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive - I honestly don't know what the point of calling 999. When I called to ask, I even got scolded," he claimed.
On the drug charges, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said Wee was detained on Oct 22 following a police check on his hotel room. He did not specify why the sweep was carried out.
Police said they found nine blue pills suspected to be ecstasy during the inspection. Wee later tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC, the chemical compound in cannabis, in a urine screening.
“The suspect was remanded for two days by a court order,” said Fadil.
Wee appeared in the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates Court on Oct 24, where he was charged with two offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 - one for possession and one for the use of drugs.
If convicted of drug possession, Wee faces up to five years’ jail and nine strokes of the cane. If convicted of drug use, he faces up to two years’ jail.
Wee pleaded not guilty to both offences and was subsequently released on a RM4,000 (US$953) court bail with one local surety for each charge. Case mention has been set for Dec 18.
In his Nov 2 Instagram post, Wee denied the charges and expressed confidence that the police investigation would reveal the truth.
"I did not take drugs, nor did I possess any. At most, I've just been drinking a little more lately. Those who believe me will do so; those who don't, won't,” he said.
He said that he had not responded earlier because the case was still under investigation.
"Over the past few days, we've also been subjected to blackmail. If they want to keep playing this game, we're ready to see it through," Wee claimed.
Wee, who first achieved fame in 2007 after his rap parody of the Malaysian national anthem went viral, is known for being one of Malaysia’s most controversial artists.
His songs frequently feature political satire, including criticism of the Chinese government.
Wee was previously charged in court in 2014 for a 2009 video that criticised Malaysia’s main power supplier Tenaga Nasional Berhad after a blackout in his hometown of Muar, Johor.
He was sentenced to one month in jail or three months of community service in lieu, and opted for the latter.
