Malaysian rapper Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, has been remanded in custody for six days in connection with the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, 31.

Hsieh’s body was found in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub on October 22, and Namewee was the last person seen with her.

Background

Hsieh was in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video project with Namewee, her social media manager told the BBC.

The police initially classified her death as a sudden death but later reclassified it as murder after reviewing preliminary findings.

Investigation

Namewee was arrested on October 22 after police found nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy in the hotel room.

He tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC, and was charged with drug use and possession.

Namewee denied the charges and was released on bail. However, after Hsieh’s death was reclassified as murder, Namewee turned himself in to the police, saying he would “fully cooperate with the police” and “not run away”.

Namewee’s History

Namewee, 42, is a controversial Malaysian rapper known for his satirical and profanity-laced music. He has been involved in several high-profile controversies, including a 2007 remake of Malaysia’s national anthem, which mocked the government, and a 2021 song that poked fun at Chinese nationalists.

He has also ventured into filmmaking, directing and starring in films that have stirred controversy over their portrayals of race and religion.