Malaysian rapper Namewee has reported to a Kuala Lumpur police station after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, announcing on social media: "I won't run away."
The rapper broke his silence early Wednesday, posting on Instagram early Wednesday: "Just arrived from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur. I had previously arranged with the police to report myself. I have now arrived at the police station and will fully assist in the investigation, to give the public and the victim's family an explanation. I won't escape - I've voluntarily reported myself for all seven previous arrest warrants, never once fled."
Malaysian police had announced Tuesday they were treating Hsieh's death as murder and expressed concern that Namewee might have fled. The 31-year-old social media star was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel on October 22.
Namewee's appearance at the police station comes as authorities continue their investigation into Hsieh's death, which has drawn significant attention across Malaysia and Taiwan.
Police records show Hsieh was found unconscious in a hotel bathtub on October 22 and pronounced dead after hospitalization. During the initial investigation, officers discovered nine blue pills suspected to be ecstasy (approximately 5.12 grams) on Namewee. His urine test returned positive for amphetamine, ketamine, cannabis and methamphetamine.
Namewee had previously been charged under Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act for drug possession and abuse. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on 8,000 ringgit bail, with his next court hearing scheduled for December 18.
While hospital preliminary reports indicate Hsieh died of heart failure, her family questions the findings and awaits complete autopsy results. The case has now been upgraded to a murder investigation, with Malaysian police re-examining crime scene evidence and Namewee's statements to determine the truth behind the death.
