Wee Meng Chee , known as Namewee on the Internet, has developed a cult following of sorts among young Malaysians after airing a six-minute rap video on YouTube last month that has been viewed by over half a million people.
The rap, which is a parody of the national anthem containing a mixture of Mandarin and Hokkien lyrics touched on a number of racially and religiously sensitive issues.
For this the 24-year-old media studies student, who is based in Taiwan, faces the full might of the state - he is being probed by the police and the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission.
There was even suggestion that his citizenship could be revoked, and action is being mulled under the Sedition Act as well as the National Anthem Act.
While Wee has apologised, the government nevertheless vowed to punish him. The following are a selection of the reports and the subsequent discussion that took place in Malaysiakini on the issue.
NEWS REPORTS
Rapper Wee rapped in Dewan Rakyat
Gov't in quandary over YouTube rapper
PKR Youth: Look at ‘Negarakuku’ objectively
Negarakuku singer alleges Malay daily instigation
NGOs: Don’t persecute artistic expressions
Anwar raps attitude in anthem controversy
I'm sorry, says Negarakuku rapper
Let’s accept Wee’s apology: Zam
Negarakuku apology: A hollow victory
Cabinet rejects apology from rapper
Rapper's citizenship will not be revoked
Negarakuku video: PAS, DAP rap Umno
Negarakuku: Let it rest, says MCA Youth
'Negarakuku': MCMC launches probe
Sedition: Charge both Wee and Umno
Wee's rap song - what’s the big deal?
'Negarakuku': Enough! ministry tells media
‘New’ rap video made before ‘Negarakuku’: Wee
OPINIONS
Below are the Letters to the Editor on the Negarakuku issue [below the comment box]
