A popular Malaysian rap artist has been arrested after complaints that he had insulted Islam.
Namewee Tokok, whose latest video Oh My God shows him performing in front of different places of worship in Malaysia, is being investigated for "defiling a place of worship with the intention to insult religion." If charged and found guilty, he could go to prison for two years.
In a statement in Chinese on on his Facebook page he wrote: Many people ask why I'm so silly, hide abroad, don't come back. It's okay. The reason is simple, in recent years, religious strife is constant, especially in our country. There have been so many misunderstandings. I wrote Oh My God to promote religious harmony and goodwill. Its purpose is clear. I have done no wrong so why leave? And here is my home, my land. Please don't harass my family. Thank you everyone for your concern. I'll be fine."
The BBC reported that the singer, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, is known for swearing a lot in his performances.
About two thirds of Malaysians are Muslim. There are also many Buddhists, Christians and Hindus.
In the latest video, Tokok uses terms such as "Allah" and "Hallelujah" and sings and dances in a church, and also at Hindu and Buddhist temples. He originally also danced in front of a mosque but that appears no longer to be in the video.
Azdy Mo Arshad, from a group of charitable organisatons, said he had complained because of the use of the word Allah. He told the BBC that the singer had angered Malaysian Muslims.
