Controversial M’sian Rapper Namewee Surrenders Himself To Police Over Award-Winning Film ‘Babi’

By
Ashley Seek
-

If you follow Malaysian rapper Namewee, 37, you’ll probably know a description that follows him around.

Controversial.

Image: Facebook (Namewee)

This began with his 2007 debut song, which was a parody of Malaysia’s national anthem.

He’s even been arrested before, and many of his works have been said to be insulting to Islam.

One of the more well-known cases occurred in 2018, where Namewee was arrested over his music video Like a Dog, where he and others dance indecently in front of the Putra Mosque.

And it seems like once again, the rapper has gotten himself into hot water.

Controversial M’sian Rapper Namewee Surrenders Himself To Police Over Award-Winning Film ‘Babi’

This happened over his latest film released in November 2020 in Taiwan, titled ‘Babi’.

According to The Straits Times, two notable police reports have been made regarding the show.

The first was by Persatuan Seniman Malaysia, an association of Malaysian artists, just a month later.

They noted that his film contained racist elements and painted Malaysia in a bad light.

Another came from Perikatan Nasional Youth member Mohammad Azwan Azmi about the film poster, claiming it contained racially sensitive words.

Namewee has since returned from Taiwan and is currently waiting to complete his seven-day quarantine.

He even said that he would surrender himself to the police after that.

Currently, Babi has received four nominations in the Berlin International Film Festival, Bangkok International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards.

Mixed Reactions To His Return

On 14 March, Sunday, Namewee made a Facebook post about his return to Malaysia.

Upon arrival at the airport, he was immediately made to go to the airport police station by security.

However, his fans allegedly also went to try and take pictures with him.

Some also asked when he would release more songs and when Babi would release in Malaysia, which is currently banned.

Namewee has posted several other posts since then.

One of them was a response when asked why he would return to surrender himself.

He said that it was his home, his parents were waiting for him and he did not want to run.

He added that he was grateful to everyone who tried to offer him help.

At the end of the post, Namewee added the following statement.

“If something really happens to me, I want everyone to boldly follow the path of democracy and freedom. As long as all races are united and use the power of the masses to combat corruption and racial policies, the country will progress, democracy will raise its head and people will obtain freedom. Malaysia boleh!”

Featured Image: Namewee 黃明志(Facebook)

 

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Ashley Seek
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