A rapper is being investigated for sedition, police said Monday, after posting a YouTube video which drew allegations he was stirring up ethnic tensions in the multicultural nation.

Wee Meng Chee, 27, better known as Namewee to his fans, made national headlines three years ago over another YouTube clip mocking the national anthem which authorities also said was seditious.

He apologised for that incident, but is in fresh trouble for posting a three-minute rap titled "Nah" criticising a Muslim Malay headmistress accused of making racial slurs against her ethnic Chinese and Indian students.

"We are investigating him under the Sedition Act," Bakri Zinin, the Federal Criminal Investigation chief, told AFP , adding that Wee will soon be called to give a statement.

namewee negarakuku police bukit perdana 230908 04 Wee (left) faces up to three years in prison if he is charged and convicted.

The rapper removed the video from YouTube on Sunday, after prompting criticism from various parties including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who reportedly urged action against those who try to stoke racial tensions.

"We don't care whether he has removed the video or not, the harm has already been done, we will continue with the investigation," said Bakri.

In the video, which is still available on other websites, Wee used obscene language and rapped in a mixture of English and the national language Malay.

The headmistress allegedly told ethnic Chinese students to return to China and compared Hindu prayer strings to dog leashes.

Four police reports

The government has ordered a probe into the case which caused anger among Malaysia's minorities who complain that their rights are being eroded as the country becomes increasingly "Islamised".

"I am a Malaysian who grew up harmoniously with friends from all walks of life and different races," Wee said on his blog Sunday.

"My main objective for uploading the new video 'Nah' was to condemn such acts and to stand up against racism," he said. The title is a slang word for "no".

"I have also taken out the said video from my YouTube account since I have already highlighted my stand over the issue, which is to stop racism in this country," added the rapper.

namewee new album 270807 Wee has developed a cult following among young Malaysians after his controversial six-minute rap video in 2007 ( right ) that mocked the national anthem. He is reportedly preparing to launch an album next month.

Meanwhile, according to Bernama , police confirmed having received four reports pertaining to the controversial video clip produced by the Muar-born youth.

Johor police chief DCP Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said the first report was lodged at Kulaijaya police headquarters on Saturday, while three others were lodged at Johor Jaya, Pasir Gudang and Masai yesterday.

"We will investigate the case under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 which carries a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of three years, or both, upon conviction," he told reporters in Johor Bahru today.

He also reminded the public not to politicise the issue and just let the police carry out the investigation.

DPM: Stern action must be taken

 

From Putrajaya, Bernama reports that Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that stern action should be taken by the authorities against any act that can provoke racial sentiments in the country to prevent a tragedy.

muhyiddin yassin pc 170310 He said this when commenting on the latest video clip that touched on racial issues by Namewee.

"We don't want the people to feel insecure, and create imbalance within the society just because no action had been taken against such provocation,’ said Muhyiddin ( right ).

"If possible, no one, regardless of who they are or which party they belong to, should commit such acts that touch on sensitive matters that evoke racial sentiments and cause serious damage to the country," he told reporters.

 

"The authorities have been directed to take serious action in such matters, including acts that insulted the flag or those that can cause public fear," he said.

When asked on the action to be taken against Namewee, he said there would be no compromise on matters relating to national harmony and peace.

- Agencies