Namewee, a local entertainer arrested in connection with the murder case of a Taiwanese female internet celebrity, had his detention extended for another three days on Monday (November 10) after the initial six-day remand expired. The police applied for the extension citing 'completion of investigation', which was approved by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court. This means that Namewee will be detained for a total of 9 days!
Namewee’s lawyer, Cheng Qingfeng, confirmed that when he met his client, Namewee’s physical and mental condition remained good, and Namewee firmly insisted on his innocence, stating he has been uninvolved in the death of the Taiwanese internet celebrity, Hsieh Youxin, from beginning to end.
Cheng Qingfeng entered the Jinma Police District Headquarters at about 9 a.m. to follow up on Namewee’s remand procedures, and only left the station at 11:30 a.m., where he updated the media on the latest developments of the case. As with the previous remand procedure, a magistrate was dispatched to the police station to handle the remand process.
Cheng Qingfeng stated: 'I objected to the police's application for a remand extension on behalf of Namewee, but after hearing statements from both myself and the police, the magistrate ultimately approved a second 3-day remand for Namewee, until this Thursday (13th).'
He emphasized that, as things stand, all he can confirm is that the police applied for the extension solely because the investigation has not yet been completed.
'At present, we’ll let the investigation proceed. I think the police next need to report the case's progress to the Deputy Public Prosecutor and decide what steps to take next.'
When asked about Namewee’s current situation in the police holding cell, Cheng Qingfeng replied: 'Being detained is, of course, not an easy experience, but his physical and mental health is fine. He maintains a positive attitude and good spirits, with no complaints raised.'
Cheng Qingfeng reiterated that although Namewee is in custody, he still insists on his innocence and stresses that he has nothing to do with the case.
However, Cheng Qingfeng declined to comment on whether Namewee is currently the only suspect in the case, stating that such matters should be answered by the police.
He also clarified that it is not uncommon for a magistrate to come to the police station to handle remand procedures, and this should not be regarded as a high-profile case.
According to reports, the 31-year-old Taiwanese internet celebrity Hsieh Youxin died suddenly in a hotel bathtub last month on the 22nd while filming in Malaysia. The police initially launched an investigation as a sudden death case; however, on the 4th of this month, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Dato' Fadil issued a statement declaring that the case was to be investigated from the perspective of murder.
Local entertainer Namewee was wanted by the police in connection with this case and went missing for a time. Later, in the early morning of November 5th, he turned himself in at the Jinma Police District Headquarters. The police then detained him for six days to assist the investigation.