KUALA LUMPUR — Despite facing criticism following the release of his latest music video titled 'Like A Dog', controversial Malaysian rapper and musician Namewee insisted it was not aimed at insulting Islam.

In the 10-minute video uploaded on YouTube recently, Namewee explained that he had never touched on any religious or racial sensitivities in his Chinese New Year music video.

"The scenes that appeared in the music video was on a major road in Putrajaya, it was not shot at a mosque area.

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"To say it was in front of a mosque is wrong as it never happened. I hope the media will correct this and not convey fake news that could cause confusion towards the community," he said.

In the video, Namewee said he had shot many videos in Putrajaya on topics such as robberies, beggars, accidents, car racing and Christmas festival.

Meanwhile, he stated that he was also free from any political influence and was merely expressing himself.

Any political comments made, he said, was just his personal opinion as a Malaysian.

"Please do not link me with any political issues as I am a musician who has zero political background.

"It is hard for artists like us to earn and make a living in Malaysia, therefore I hope the government will help us and stop limiting our creativity and ideas," he said.

On Feb 10, Namewee uploaded the CNY themed music video, in which he and other individuals are seen dancing indecently said to be in the vicinity of Masjid Putra and the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya.

The three-minute video showed the rapper singing on how dogs are supposed to bark in different countries.

It was reported that 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 two building.

Meanwhile, police have opened an investigation into the matter and the Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun reportedly said they were working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to investigate the video clip under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Aziz has said that Namewee should be arrested and charged over his latest controversial music video.

“We as Muslims, although we are majority in the country, we still look after the sensitivity of other religions. But Namewee has crossed the line," said Mr Nazri.

“What he has done has not only disrupted the country’s harmony but could also anger the Muslims. I urge for the police to quickly complete their investigations. Arrest him and take him straight to court.”  NEW STRAITS TIMES