6-day remand for Namewee in probe into Taiwanese influencer's death

Rapper Namewee has been remanded to assist in the investigation into the death of Taiwanese influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin.

Police obtained a remand order for the 42-year-old from today till Nov 10, said Dang Wangi district police chief Sazalee Adam.

This was after the controversial artist, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, turned himself in at the police station early this morning.

Earlier, Namewee posted an Instagram story showing a selfie taken in front of a police station, indicating that he had arrived.

He also shared a post saying he would cooperate with the police.

"I just arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Johor Bahru. Earlier, I had arranged a time with the police to lodge a report and present myself at the station.

"I've now arrived, and I will fully cooperate with the police investigation to provide answers to the public and the deceased's family.

"I won't run away. In the past, there were seven times when warrants were issued for me, and I voluntarily went to the police every time. I've never run," he said in the post.

Assisting in investigations

According to China Press, Wee arrived by car at the Dang Wangi police headquarters at about 1.10am. After taking a selfie video outside, he entered the station to meet with investigators.

Last night, the media reported that police were on the hunt for the person of interest after he could not be contacted.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said the police were looking for Namewee to assist in the probe, as he was believed to be the last person with the victim.

“Depending on the findings, we will decide whether he should be treated as a suspect,” he said yesterday.

Earlier, Fadil announced that the probe into Hsieh's death had been reclassified as a murder investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

He said Hsieh, who is also known as Iris, arrived in Malaysia on Oct 20 for a four-day trip but was found dead on Oct 22.

Meeting to discuss collaboration

According to media reports, Wee had allegedly met up with Hsieh to discuss a collaboration.

A police statement placed the day of the meeting on Oct 22.

On Oct 24, Wee was charged with two drug-related offences.

The first charge, for possession of drugs under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carries a jail term of two to five years and caning of three to nine strokes.

The second charge, for drug consumption under Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act, is punishable with a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to RM5,000.

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