KUALA LUMPUR: An Umno leader today took a swipe at controversial singer Namewee over the release of a Chinese New Year-themed music video "Like A Dog".
Federal Territory Umno Youth chief Datuk Razlan Muhammad Rafii said Namewee was no stranger to controversy but the release of the video appeared to have been aimed at insulting the Muslim community in the country.
"In conjunction with the year of the dog, I would like to advise Namewee not to follow the way of the stray dog, barking just to get noticed, but be an obedient one and bark when told to do so,
“A lot of 'rabid dogs' have been caught before but why are we allowing 'dogs' like Namewee to get away? I appeal to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take prompt and appropriate action against this man.”
He said that it appeared that the musician, who has no less than one million subscribers on YouTube, had deliberately played up sensitive issues to gain international fame.
“I won't be surprised if others will follow suit by insulting other races just to gain popularity,” he said in a statement today.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently said that action could be taken against Namewee for posting the video online.
He said the singer had caused several controversies in the past and escaped action, but warned that he may not be so lucky this time.
Some quarters, including the Social Media Activists Association, have considered the video 'provocative' as it depicted people in dog costumes simulating obscene gestures while in the vicinity of the Perdana Putra Building and Putra Mosque.
Razlan also claimed that those who followed the rapper knew of his “feelings towards Malaysia and hatred towards the Malay Muslims in the country”.
He said the video was “insulting” and believed that Namewee's "disgusting" and "irresponsible act" would not get the support of Malaysians.
“No Malaysians want this kind of hatred to be continuously sowed in their consciousness.
"So, we have to work together to curb works that disparage and insult religions and races."