Popular Malaysian Rapper Namewee Charged with Drug Possession and Use
Popular Malaysian rapper Namewee has been charged with illegal drug use and possession, according to local media reports quoting Kuala Lumpur police. The 42-year-old artist, known for his provocative and satirical music, pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on bail pending further investigation.
Authorities confirmed that Namewee was arrested last month after police allegedly found drugs in his hotel room. His case has since drawn widespread attention, not only for the charges but also because of his connection to a separate high-profile incident involving the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh.
According to Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus, officers arrested the popular Malaysian rapper on October 22 at a hotel in the city after discovering pills believed to be ecstasy (MDMA) in his possession.
Police said Namewee later tested positive for several illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC. Following his arrest, he was remanded in custody for two days before being released on bail.
“If convicted of drug possession, Namewee could face up to five years in prison and be subjected to caning under Malaysian law,” Fadil said in an official statement.
The police report is still being finalized, and authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police Arrest the Popular Malaysian Rapper Namewee in Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Despite the allegations, popular Malaysian rapper Namewee has publicly denied using or possessing illegal drugs. In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram on Sunday, he stated that he has “never used or carried drugs,” insisting that the truth will emerge once the official police report is released.
“The truth will be out when the police report is released,” he wrote.
The rapper also expressed frustration over media speculation surrounding his case, urging fans and the public to wait for verified information.
Adding another layer of complexity to the story, police confirmed that Namewee had been staying at the same hotel and at the same time as Iris Hsieh, a popular Taiwanese influencer who was found dead in her bathtub.
Although there is no official indication that the two cases are directly linked, police have not ruled out any possibilities. A police source told local media that the rapper’s proximity to the scene had raised public curiosity, prompting authorities to clarify that the investigations are being handled separately.
In a later Instagram post, Namewee expressed sorrow over Hsieh’s death. “I feel deeply sorry about what happened to her,” he wrote, adding that it took “nearly an hour” for an ambulance to arrive.
He further revealed that he had remained silent while the investigation was ongoing and hinted that he had recently received threats and “blackmail.” “I will fight to the end,” the rapper wrote.
This is not the first time popular Malaysian rapper Namewee — whose real name is Wee Meng Chee — has made headlines. Known for his provocative lyrics and fearless commentary, he has long been a polarizing figure in Malaysia’s entertainment scene.
In 2016, he was arrested for his music video Oh My God, which was filmed at several religious sites across the country. The video sparked outrage among conservative groups, who accused him of insulting religious sensitivities.
Later, in 2021, he released Fragile, a Mandarin-language pop duet that mocked Chinese nationalism and referenced politically sensitive issues such as Taiwan’s sovereignty and the persecution of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The song became an international hit among Mandarin-speaking audiences but was swiftly banned in China.
Despite repeated controversies, Namewee has maintained a loyal fan base across Asia, with supporters praising his outspoken stance on social and political issues.
As a popular Malaysian rapper, Namewee has built his career around using art as a form of resistance and satire. His songs frequently tackle taboo subjects — from corruption and censorship to race and religion — making him both celebrated and censored.
His blend of humor, social commentary, and bold visuals has earned him millions of views online. However, his confrontational style has also made him a frequent target of authorities, with several of his music videos removed from platforms and his concerts canceled.
Music critics have described him as a “creative provocateur” who uses his art to challenge societal norms and government restrictions in Malaysia, a country known for strict regulations on artistic expression.
For now, popular Malaysian rapper Namewee remains free on bail while awaiting the release of the police report and the scheduling of his next court appearance. His legal team has said they are confident that the case will be resolved in his favor once all the evidence is reviewed.
The Kuala Lumpur police have yet to announce when the full investigation results will be made public. Meanwhile, Namewee continues to communicate with his fans through social media, promising to tell his side of the story when the time is right.
As one of Malaysia’s most recognizable and controversial cultural figures, his case has reignited debates about freedom of expression, celebrity accountability, and the treatment of artists under the nation’s strict laws.
Source- BBC
