Namewee’s latest music video release, showing the Malaysian artist performing a Chinese New Year themed song called Like a Dog, has piqued the interest of the Deputy Prime Minister, and not in a good way.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that while Namewee’s envelope pushing antics and social commentary had managed to find that sweet spot of causing just enough controversy without getting arrested, the same could not be guaranteed with his latest release.
You might remember that time that Namewee refashioned our national anthem Negaraku into his own Negarakuku, playing on the fact that “kuku” sounds a lot like male genitalia in Hokkien. Classy, bro.
At a press conference, the deputy PM did not hold back, and said authorities may look into the video. He added that he was concerned that “lone wolves” might take vigilante action.
Some citizens were angered by the fact that Namewee’s backing dancers wore cartoon dog masks while dancing in the clip, which was shot within the vicinity of the Putra Mosque.
This year is, of course, the year of the dog in the Chinese calendar.
“Our country is one that emphasizes on harmony. We respect the differences in beliefs of every Malaysian. If an individual chooses to be provocative, then he cannot blame the authorities when action is taken against him,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid.
Dogs are considered by some as unclean in Islam, and a more conservative form of the faith has been gaining traction among Malaysian Muslims, causing tensions with the country’s substantial religious and ethnic minorities.
Wondering what all the drama is about? Watch the video below for yourselves, while you still can:
