BERA: Stern action has to be taken against controversial artist Namewee as the government cannot compromise with his provocative behaviour.
Describing Namewee as having gone overboard in his recent video-clip, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said immediate and strict action was necessary before certain quarters play the race and religion cards.
He said there was also concern that some "extremists" might take matters into their own hands and launch a personal attack against Namewee over his recent Chinese New Year-themed video clip "Like A Dog".
"Namewee has crossed the limits and is rude as he is not showing respect towards the multi-racial people who are living in harmony in the country. We cannot compromise with these type of individuals, he (Namewee) has done it several times in the past and is seen as trying to create provocation.
"As far as I am concerned, Namewee is rude against the Malays....he is trying to challenge us and if he wants to film or dance like in the video clip, he should have done it in the jungle or elsewhere," he told reporters after attending the "Kenduri Kampung" programme at Kampung Paya Mengkuang Ladang surau vicinity here today.
Ismail Sabri, who is also the Bera member of parliament and Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the Home Ministry and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has to be stern and must not let him off the hook easily.
"Appropriate action has to be taken so that he will not repeat such acts in the future and it will serve as a reminder. We are concerned that some quarters might use the issue to stir racial tension among the people.
"Before things get out of hand it is best for the authorities to arrest him for investigations. He has caused several controversies in the past but escaped action....I am worried if there are 'extremists' against Namewee they might plan their own action," he said.
Also present was Bera Umno division Youth chief Mohd Zoolihsan Ahmad and Puteri Umno chief Salmiah Abd Rahman.
Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, produced the recent Chinese New Year-themed video clip "Like A Dog.