GEORGE TOWN: Controversial rapper Namewee, whose remand order expires today, has been ordered to be released over a probe on his “Oh My God” music video.
According to his lawyer, T. Tharuma, assistant court registrar Ahmad Tajudin Zaini had rejected the police's application to further remand the musician, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, 33, saying that there was no reason for them to detain him further.
However, instead of being released, Wee was escorted into a police car and driven to the Patani Road police station.
“They are still holding him and taking him to Patani Road. They don't want to tell us why they are taking him there.
“I don't know why he has been taken away. The assistant court registrar has ordered him to be released," he told newsmen after the remand proceedings.
Wee was remanded on Monday for four days to assist investigations. The remand order ends today.
The singer-songwriter is being investigated under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a place of worship with intention to insult the religion.
The section carries a jail term of up to two years, or a fine or both, upon conviction.
Wee was arrested at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday after returning from an overseas trip.
Several religious groups had previously lodged police reports against Wee over his music video, claiming that it insulted Islam.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mior Faridalatrash Wahid said police had submitted the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for the next course of action.
"It is now up to the AG whether to charge Wee for the offence or not," he added.
Meanwhile, northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mior Faridalatrash Wahid said police would release Wee on police bail while awaiting further instructions from the Attorney-General's Chambers for the next course of action.