Malaysian police say a popular Chinese rapper has been detained over complaints that his latest music video featuring dancers wearing dog masks and performing "obscene" moves insults Islam.
It was the second time in two years that Wee Meng Chee, popularly known as Namewee, has been investigated over his music videos.
Police said in a statement that Wee was detained Thursday after they received four public complaints that his video marking the Chinese year of the dog had "insulted Islam and could negatively impact racial unity and harmony."
In the video entitled Like a Dog, Wee sits on a chair in a public square in the government administrative capital of Putrajaya with dancers wearing dog masks around him.
Several of them mimic the "doggy-style" sex move. A green domed building in the background led some people to speculate it was filmed in front of a mosque, leading to criticism, but Wee later said it was the prime minister's office.
The song included the sounds of dog barks from various countries. In an apparent reference to government corruption, Wee sings that dogs in Malaysia go "mari mari, wang wang," which in the Malay language means "come come, money money".
Dogs are considered unclean by Muslims, who account for 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people.
Several ministers called for Wee to be arrested. He defended the video as a form of entertainment and said he had no intention of disrespecting any race or religion.
Earlier Thursday, Wee posted a picture on Facebook of himself at the federal police headquarters as he was detained by police for questioning.
"I am not afraid because I believe Malaysia has justice," he said.
Australian Associated Press
