Prominent Malaysian rapper Namewee has been charged with illegal drug use and possession, according to local media reports citing Kuala Lumpur police.
Having pleaded not guilty to both charges, Namewee was released on bail following his arrest last month.
The 42-year-old artist, recognized for his satirical songs that explore taboo topics in Malaysia, such as religion and censorship, asserted his innocence in an Instagram post over the weekend.
The truth will be out when the police report is released, he stated.
Authorities revealed that Namewee was apprehended on October 22 in a hotel room where pills, believed to be ecstasy, were found. Subsequent testing indicated that Namewee was positive for various illicit substances, including amphetamines and THC.
If he is convicted of drug possession, the rapper could face up to five years in prison and corporal punishment.
A police spokesperson mentioned that Namewee was present at the same hotel where Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh was found dead. He expressed deep sadness over her passing, noting that an ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the rapper claimed he had received blackmail threats but vowed to fight these allegations to the end.
Throughout his career, Namewee has often sparked controversy with his music. Notably, in 2016, he faced arrest for a music video deemed offensive to religious sentiments, and in 2021, his viral song was banned in China for tackling politically sensitive themes.
