Negaraku (Mandarin rap) by Malaysian Student Wee Meng Chee (namewee)

Negaraku (Mandarin rap) by Malaysian Student Wee Meng Chee (namewee)

This article post was taken from the Star

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday August 9, 2007

University student comes under fire for video clip
PETALING JAYA:

Malaysian student Wee Meng Chee has frequently courted controversy with his numerous postings on video search engine YouTube, but his latest parody of the national anthem has been severely criticised by politicians.

Wee has come under fire for mocking the national anthem and making statements many found offensive because they contained racial slurs.

His six-minute video clip, which used Negaraku in a Mandarin rap, has been viewed more than 400,000 times since the middle of last month.

Wee, a 24-year-old mass communications student at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, has insisted that he is patriotic.

“I wrote the song in conjunction with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence and it is my gift to the country,” the Johorean said.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said police would investigate the rap video while MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said Wee had insulted the national anthem.

Liow said that Wee, who used the name “Namewee,” seemed patriotic but needed guidance to show his patriotism in the proper way.

Wee said he did not mean to be seditious or to attack the Government.
“I’m simply reflecting the truth about our society through my music and I did not mean to offend anyone by producing such a video clip. I still love my country,” he said.
On his blog, Wee said he had removed the video from the website after receiving some negative reaction.
“I had to do it because my family was being pressured and I can’t be selfish by just thinking about myself,” he added.

However, he said the video was well received by some people who later uploaded it again on the website for public viewing.

His father, in an interview with Sin Chew Daily, defended his son's patriotism as the student had insisted on taking along the Jalur Gemilang when he left for Taiwan to study.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Bernama reported that the police had no authority to
investigate or detain individuals involved in broadcasting Wee's Negaraku as it happened outside the country.

“The police can only take action if the incident occurs in the country,” Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Najib Abdul Aziz told reporters yesterday.

© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

We agree fully with MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai. It is indeed a direct insult to our dear Malaysian anthem "Negaraku"

"Negaraku" in direct translation means "My Country" .

• Since it is a National Anthem, out of respect to our beloved country, we must not change the lyrics of the National Anthem.
• If one were to change the lyrics, one should NOT call it Negaraku any more. To do so directly is already an insult to the national anthem.
• The Modified Title "NegaraKuku" is rather inappropriate, in my humble opinion.
• One should not make fun of the national anthem in any country .... especially if it has "racial slur" ...
• Lastly a national Anthem should up lift a country ... not to be make fun of or based on anyone's "personal" believe / agenda

Yes, Mr. Wee Meng Chee may be a "creative person" as shown by his many works in youtube and his blog and website . However, to change the lyrics and tune of The National Anthem is wrong.

That's just our 2 cents, ..... what do you think?

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