Namewee to be released on police bail amid ongoing probe into influencer’s death

Malaysian rapper Wee Meng Chee, better known as Namewee, will be released on police bail on 13 November, as authorities continue their investigation into the death of Taiwanese social media influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin.

Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that, at present, there is no evidence linking Wee to the influencer’s death. He added that further instructions had been given to the police to continue with their investigation.

“We are offering police bail. Thus far, there is no lead to show that he was involved in causing the death of the deceased,” said Dusuki, as quoted by Malaysiakini and New Straits Times.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to both the prominence of the individuals involved and the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the events that led to Hsieh’s death.

Wee surrendered himself to police at the Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur at around 2am on 5 November.

Police subsequently obtained a remand order until 10 November, which was then extended by three days. That remand is scheduled to end on 13 November, at which point police are legally required to either release or charge the suspect under Malaysian law.

According to Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus, investigation papers related to the case were submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on 12 November. Marsus stated that authorities were awaiting further instructions regarding the next steps.

Hsieh, also known as Iris Hsieh, was found dead on 22 October in a bathtub at a hotel on Jalan Conlay in central Kuala Lumpur. Her body was later sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Authorities initially classified the case as a sudden death, but it was later reclassified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Namewee was reportedly in the same hotel room as Hsieh at the time of the incident. However, authorities have yet to disclose specific findings from forensic examinations or surveillance footage that might indicate foul play or otherwise implicate individuals present at the scene.

“The investigation is still ongoing and further instructions have been issued to police,” said Dusuki. He added that should new evidence emerge, the AGC will take the appropriate legal steps.

Hsieh Yu-hsin had a significant following on social media and was known for her content in fashion and lifestyle. Her unexpected death and the subsequent classification of the case as a murder have sparked wide public interest both in Malaysia and Taiwan.

To date, no formal charges have been brought against any suspect. Authorities have also not revealed the results of the post-mortem examination or any toxicology findings.

Police have yet to confirm whether any other individuals are under investigation in connection with the case.